By: Abel Flessner
The men’s soccer team got off to a hot start, claiming a victory in its first match against Blackburn College, 1-0, their first season-opening win since 2023, when they defeated Webster University 4-0 and went on to win the NACC championship. A late-game goal by Sophomore Enzo Cinque sealed the deal for the Stars, backed by a strong defensive performance.
“Scoring the game-winning goal was an incredible feeling,” Cinque said, “especially being able to help the team start the season with a win, it gives us a lot of confidence moving forward. I’m excited about this group and what we can accomplish.”
The Stars beginning their season with a win is certainly promising, backed by 19 upperclassmen, including team captain Ciaran Geraghty.
“It feels so good that we got the late winner against Blackburn,” Geraghty said.
“It was super hot and humid, so we worked through struggles with fatigue, but to keep grinding and pull off a team win was important to start off on the right foot.”
The team fought through a 98-degree heat wave en route to the win. It may not have come easily, but the stars ended up on top with the 86th-minute goal.
“I’m really proud of the guys for pushing through a battle with the elements,” Senior midfielder Tristen Banquil said.
“Everyone fought through and battled to the end for a win. I’m very proud of everyone and excited to get back on the field next week.”
Looking forward to the season, there are certainly areas requiring work to set up the team for success down the road and into conference play.
“There is always something to fix like finishing on the attacking third of the field or keeping our lines more compact defensively,” Banquil said.
“They are all fixable things that will be improved as we go.”
The team looks to perfect their playing style to create more chances down the road.
“We are focused on finding which formations we can attack and defend in,” Geraghty said.
“Working on perfecting one or two formations will be the biggest key to our success down the road.”
Geraghty was named captain within the last couple of weeks and hopes to lead the team through the highs and lows of the rest of the season.
“Being a captain of the team is a huge honor and responsibility,” Geraghty said.
“Every other year I’ve been here I’ve looked up to our leaders, so being that role model means everything. I want this team to be the best it can be and it all starts with being a role model.”
Behind Geraghty and the large group of upperclassmen, the Stars look toward the rest of the season with optimism. The team canceled its games at home vs. Loras College and at Webster University this Friday and Sunday, respectively, due to the heat. The Stars look to stay in the win column on Wednesday vs. Knox College.
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