The FM Men's soccer team has been busy preparing for its upcoming 2016 season. The 16 man roster is in its second week of practices and Coach Leggiero's squad is looking forward to getting their season started.
Photo: Coach Leggiero assists Austin Heroth in a drill.
This preseason the squad has been working on team defending and attacking out of the back and look forward to its first exhibition match Wednesday, September 24th. "I feel like we are in a really good place right now. The team has come together nicely, even with all the new faces, said Leggiero. Fitness looks pretty good, most of the guys came back ready to go. I see a tremendous competitive spirit. Everyone is starting to find out their role and identity within the team, training has been a joy to be at."
The Raiders return David Vandenabeele who started every match for the Raiders last season and Leggiero is looking for a lot out of Dave again this season, as he brings size and a great work ethic to the team. Wolfgang Reinke will be back for his second season and hopes to stay healthy as he
battled some injuries last season. Greyson Mullins rounds out the returners and will be one of the keys to the Raiders offense.
Coach Leggiero brings on many key newcomers to the squad. Austin Heroth of Johnstown is very versatile at his position and very quick; with a high work rate. He is a tremendous talent and fits in to the FM style of play. Justin Estremera of Schenectady, will also be a standout on the roster. "Justin has been in our opinion one of the top players in the area for the last few seasons, we are thrilled to have him," said Leggiero. Justin Marek will also play a major role on the field as he brings a great combination of size and quickness on both sides of the ball.
Photo: Wolfgang Reinke works on ball control.
Coach Leggiero is excited and ready to see what the new and improved Raiders can prove in Region III play. "We are young, some may say this is a weakness however I see this as a strength. The boys are looking to really turn this program around. We are focusing on not being on an emotional roller coaster, we never want to get too low or too high. Like I said, when I was first hired here at FM our goal for this season and every season is to win one more game, score one more goal and concede one less."
The 2016 season will kick off on Saturday, September 3rd as FM travels to Onondaga CC to take on the Lazers at 1:00 p.m. The Raiders first home contest will be Sunday, September 4th when they are set to host Cayuga at 2:00 p.m.
Photo: David Vandenabeele attacks the field as teammates Greyson Mullins and Justin Estremera look on.
