Last season the men’s soccer team ended its season in heartbreak. The team was one point away from a postseason berth, their first since 2014. Through the pain from last season, the Lakers are ready to take the next step in 2019.

With that in mind, Oswego State looks like they will be able to start the season strong as they return four of its top five scorers from last year. Caleb Asamoah and Ryan Young led the team in goals with three apiece. While Asamoah’s total dropped from the previous year, he was more of a facilitator offensively. Rather than directly attacking the net, he was able to move the ball around and try to find his teammates in high scoring areas. As a result, he added two assists in nine starts on the year.

Young was a freshman last season but did not show it. He started all 15 games and was dynamic on the back line. He plays with excellent pace and is able to drive play forward, something the team desperately needs. Last season, the team played a bit slow with the ball. The Lakers were comfortable with sitting back and holding onto the ball. This season, that has changed as head coach Dan Kane changed up his system.

“We’re touching the ball a lot more,” goalie Brian Terra said. “We have a different game plan where we are trying to move the ball … trying to keep possession [and] trying to really come at our opponents this year.”

Young will be a huge factor with his ability to drive the ball up the field, despite acting as one of the team’s top defenders. The sophomore will be forced to play a larger role defensively because the Lakers lost nine seniors, two of which were defenders including captain Thomas Osborn.

“My game is usually always going forward, so I always look to create,” Young said. “But at the same time, we did lose a lot defensively, so I’ve got to be safe on the back and a little bit conservative at some times.”

While the team did lose a large portion of their starters from last year, the Lakers brought in a handful of freshmen that are expected to fill key roles.

“We definitely had a need in our back line, so we brought in a number of defenders,” Kane said. “But we did bring in some good attacking players, some good midfield too. I think you’ll get to see the freshman … and say ‘wow they’re good players.’”

Some freshmen right off the start of the season have gotten decent playing time. Steven Rojas out of Holbrook has started both games, recording five shots. Kieran Gilroy is another first-year player who has played 92 minutes over the first two games of the year. Being able to drive play to that extent will be critical for Oswego State as they look to jumpstart its stagnant offense.

Last season, the team scored just 15 goals in as many games. Typically, a team that struggled that much to score would not have three conference wins. The Lakers had a stout defense, led by Terra. This season will be his second receiving the full work load in net, and he stressed the importance of communication on the back end.

“Just communicate with them,” Terra said. “Let them know that we are all in it together and we have their back no matter what mistake or what happens.”

In 2018, Terra was virtually flawless in net. He surrendered 21 goals, while making 61 saves. Despite his good play, it was not enough in the difficult SUNYAC conference. 

“I think the [SUNYAC] is one of the best conferences in the country,” Kane said. “It’s a pleasure to play in it, and you know the games are just so meaningful and everybody wants to win.” 

Kane can still be confident in Oswego State, as it returns a large veteran presence that have experienced the tough grind of a SUNYAC schedule.

“To have the guys that have been there and done that before, they share how difficult the SUNYAC is on a daily basis,” Kane said. “To have that and to be able to rely on the older guys to send that message is crucial.”

Despite a difficult SUNYAC, Kane was satisfied with his team’s season last year. 

“We beat the SUNYAC champions for the first time in 20 years since ‘98,” Kane said. “The guys had been hungry all spring and summer. The preseason has been fantastic, it is a great group of guys. We are looking forward to actualizing our potential.”

When it comes to that potential, it looks like that might be reaching the postseason for the first time in five years.

“We hope to make the playoffs,” Asamoah said. “Keep playing every game like it’s our last and just keep putting in the work.”

The Oswegonian file photo from 2018