Men’s Soccer Ready for Another Run at NEWMAC and NCAA Tournaments

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The MIT men's soccer team will not catch anyone by surprise this season. Coming off one of the best campaigns in the program’s history, the Engineers are ready to take the pitch against Endicott College on Tuesday, Sept. 1 in their home opener on Roberts Field.

Under the leadership of head coach Milton Gooding, MIT has compiled one of the top home records in Division III soccer over the last two seasons, posting a 14-1-2 mark. Its lone loss at home occurred in a double-overtime battle with NEWMAC foe U.S. Coast Guard Academy in September 2007.

The Cardinal and Gray return the core of its players from last season. Co-captain Christian Therkelsen, who set an Institute record for points last year and was selected to the NEWMAC All-Conference First Team, will be leading the charge up front with fellow striker Zach Kabelac. The reigning NEWMAC Rookie of the Year and All-Conference First-Team selection, Kabelac and Therkelsen combined for 68 points as one of the top tandems in the nation. Chase Anderson and Adreil Fidone will also see significant time up front as well.

The midfield is highlighted by All-Conference Second Team pick Max Stein-Golenbock, who completed his first season as one of the best midfielders in the NEWMAC. Co-captain Matt Greyson will return as well, coming back from a season-ending knee injury he suffered early last year. Also in the midfield will be Peter Bojo, Russell Kooistra, Lance Wall, and Akara Ambak along with newcomer Chris Hammond, a two-time NSCAA High School All- American.

The back four will feature three starters from last season, Kevin Chou, Adam Talsma, and Joey DeRosa. In addition, very talented rookies Ben Lewis, Scott Jenkins and Edner Paul will look to make an impact.

Dylan Rankin will replace NEWMAC All-Conference Second Team keeper Tom Caldwell, who will be ably assisted by Javier Duarte and Ben Sena.

“Last season was a wonderful experience for all associated with MIT men's soccer,” noted Gooding. “We will have a bit of a bulls-eye on our back this year, but we as a team look forward to the challenge of moving forward and putting our accomplishments of the 2008 campaign for the time being in the past.”

MIT should be in good hands again as Gooding has compiled the highest winning percentage of his career during his three-year tenure with the Engineers.