After coming off a successful 6-8-1 record last season and a regional tournament berth, the FM Men's soccer team has been busy preparing for its upcoming 2017 season. The 19 man roster is finishing up its second week of practices and Coach Leggiero's squad is looking forward to getting their season started.
"The boys have been working hard and as usual our region is going to be a difficult ride. We have been lucky enough to avoid major injuries, so I am hopeful we will start off the season a bit better than last year. This year's team as has a lot of first year players that we will be asking to take on major roles. We lost some key players from last year that helped turn this program around," said Coach Leggiero.
Photo: Returners Yauza Aruz and Aiden Van Loan battle for possession at pre-season practice.
This preseason the squad has been creating a system that best fits the players. "Each year we have adjusted our system, said Leggiero. We have been working on playing out of the back. That is the major difference between this year's team compared to last. Last year we were unable to build out of our back four, but this year we are hoping to do that with some new experience."
The Raiders return key starters Austin Heroth (Johnstown) and Aiden Van Loan (Fort Plain). Heroth was the leader and field general last year at midfield and Van Loan led the team with ten goals. Both Austin and Aiden had major impacts on last year's team and Leggiero is expecting the same this year.
The FM coaching staff was busy on the recruiting end this year as they add several key newcomers to the roster. Jared Rubin (Guilderland) leads the new comers to the squad this year. "Jared was arguably the best goal keeper in the Suburban Council last season; we are excited to have a goal keeper of Jared's talent on this year's roster."
WAC MVP Brendon Gifford (Mayfield) will also make a major impact as a freshman. "Anytime you are a league MVP that is impressive. We are looking for big things out of B this
year and hope his size coupled with skill, will mesh with his speedy teammates," said Leggiero.
Photo: Brendan Gifford (front) and Austin Heroth (back) prepare for a drill.
Jefferson Jurado (Forrest Hills) is a talent Leggiero had an eye on early in the recruiting process. He comes from a club in New York City with a strong history of talented soccer players. Steven Asitimbay (Queens Vocational) will have a major impact on this year's team. He has strong skills and knowledge of the game, both on and off the ball.
The FM squad looks to finish out their preseason focusing on the team playing as one and knowing that no individual wins or loses games. Based off what was accomplished last year they are looking to use that confidence to play with the power house teams within the region.
Coach Leggiero, who is in his third season at the helm, is excited for the season to start. "Our goals have never changed from the first day I was hired; our goals have always been to win one more game, score one more goal and conceded one less."
The 2017 soccer season will begin on Saturday, September 2nd at home. The Raiders will take on the Onondaga Lazers at 1:00 p.m. at FMCC.
Photo (right): Robert Ward punts away a save.
Photo (below): Coach Leggiero instructs Amir Avila.
