Men's Soccer 2024 Season Preview

2024 Landmark Conference Men's Soccer Preview

As the 2024 Landmark Conference men's soccer season kicks off, excitement is high for what promises to be a thrilling year of competition. With a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, the conference is set for some intense and captivating games. Defending champions Catholic University, now led by new head coach Connor Keenan, are eager to build on their impressive 2023 performance. At the same time, teams like Drew University and Lycoming College are ready to make their mark and challenge for the top spot. With strong contenders across the board, this season's race for the conference title is expected to be highly competitive.

2023 Season Recap and Playoffs

2023 Standings

  1. Catholic University: 12-7-2 (7-0-2 Landmark Conference)
  2. Lycoming College: 11-4-6 (7-0-2 Landmark Conference)
  3. Elizabethtown College: 8-7-3 (5-3-1 Landmark Conference)
  4. Drew University: 10-7-2 (5-4-0 Landmark Conference)
  5. Moravian University: 6-7-5 (4-4-1 Landmark Conference)
  6. Goucher College: 10-8-3 (4-4-1 Landmark Conference)
  7. University of Scranton: 8-4-5 (2-3-4 Landmark Conference)
  8. Juniata College: 6-9-1 (2-7-0 Landmark Conference)
  9. Wilkes University: 3-8-5 (1-6-2 Landmark Conference)
  10. Susquehanna University: 3-10-3 (1-7-1 Landmark Conference)

2023 Playoffs

Semifinals:

  • #1 Catholic def #4 Drew: 3-2 (2OT)
  • #2 Lycoming def #6 Goucher: 6-1

Championship:

  • #1 Catholic def #2 Lycoming: 1-0

The Catholic Cardinals rose to the top of the conference last season becoming the 2023 Landmark Conference Champions and finishing their season 12-7-2 overall and 7-0-2 in conference play. They clinched the title with a narrow 1-0 victory over runner-up Lycoming, thanks to a decisive goal by senior Gordie Bernlohr in the 54th minute, earning him MVP honors. Bernlohr's game-winning goals in both the semifinal and final guided the Cardinals to their third consecutive Landmark Conference title on home turf.

Despite their success in the conference and a great comeback effort, the Cards saw their season end in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against SUNY Oneonta. Top scorer Gordie Bernlohr had Catholics only goal in the 1-2 loss 19 seconds into the second half.

2024 Preseason Coaches Poll

In the 2024 preseason coaches poll, Catholic University tops the rankings with 80 points, signaling strong expectations for the defending Landmark Conference champions. Drew University follows closely in second place with 68 points, hinting at a competitive season ahead.

Lycoming College and the University of Scranton are tied for third, each earning 57 points. Both teams are poised to challenge for top positions. Elizabethtown College rounds out the top five with 48 points, indicating their potential to make a significant impact this season.

Moravian University comes in sixth with 43 points, while Goucher College is seventh with 40 points. Juniata College and Wilkes University are placed eighth and ninth, respectively, with 20 and 19 points. Susquehanna University finishes the poll in tenth place with 18 points.

Catholic University

  • Head Coach: Connor Keenan (1st Season)
  • 2023 Record: 12-7-2 (7-0-2 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 1st

In his debut season as head coach of Catholic Men's Soccer, Connor Keenan aims to build on last year's success and maintain the their spot as Landmark Conference Champions.

The team welcomes back a strong senior core, including midfielders Dom Caltabiano and Ryan Kelly, and defenders Owen Maher, Mudi Jagha, and Andrew Lowman. Caltabiano and Jagha, both All-Region selections in 2023, are expected to be pivotal, with Caltabiano driving the midfield and Jagha anchoring the defense. Kelly, Maher, and Lowman bring added experience and defensive solidity, bolstering the team's prospects for the upcoming season.

The Cardinals open their season on Aug. 30 at Roanoke and will hold their first home game on Sept. 6 versus Cortland in the annual Turk Emekli Classic. Landmark Conference play will commence on Sept. 28 at Moravian.

"The entire group is really excited to get going and eager to build off of the success from 2023. We have a large group returning from last year's Landmark Championship team and with the addition of a great group of first-year players, everyone is looking forward to the fall." - Head Coach Connor Keenan

Drew University

  • Head Coach: Lenny Armuth (31st Season)
  • 2023 Record: 10-7-2 (5-4-0 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 2nd

In his 30th season at the helm, Lenny Armuth will aim to lead Drew University to a tournament berth following a tough semifinal defeat to Catholic last year. The Rangers return key players, including senior All-Region V Team and First-Team All-Landmark Conference selections Kevin Kiernan (9 goals, 11 assists) and Tino Puentes, who were instrumental in restricting opponents to under two goals in 11 of their 19 matches. Additionally, junior midfielder James Cahill, an All-Landmark Conference Honorable Mention in 2023, will provide crucial support.

Drew will need to fill the void left by forward Christian Tyson, who tallied seven goals and one assist and was a Second-Team All-Landmark Conference honoree. Tyson ranked fifth in the conference for goals scored last season.

The Rangers kick off their campaign at the Drew/FDU Fall Festival at FDU-Florham on Aug. 30, with their first home match set for Sept. 4 against Western Connecticut. Landmark Conference play begins on Sept. 28 at Juniata College.

"I'm looking forward to what should be a very competitive season and the many new coaches in our conference." - Head Coach Lenny Armuth

Elizabethtown College

  • Head Coach: Evan Scheffey (1st Season)
  • 2023 Record: 8-7-3 (5-3-1 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 5th

The Blue Jays, now under the leadership of new head coach Evan Scheffey, are ready for a challenging season as they tackle a tough non-conference schedule to prepare for Landmark Conference play. The squad boasts a blend of seasoned players and fresh talent, including 13 first-year recruits. Returning standouts include junior defender Thomas Smith and midfielder Pedro Guizardi, both of whom earned Landmark All-Conference First Team honors in 2023.

Elizabethtown will need to find a replacement for goalkeeper Kelvin Del Cid, who received Landmark All-Conference Honorable Mention last season, recording a 0.703 save percentage and five shutouts.

The Blue Jays' season opener is set for Aug. 30 at the Brothers Pizza Blue Jay Classic against Alfred, with their Landmark Conference campaign starting on Sept. 28 at Scranton.

"We are really excited to get the season underway as we have a good balance of nine seniors as well as welcoming thirteen new incoming players. We have a very challenging non-conference slate of games which will have us well prepared for a highly competitive Landmark Conference schedule. We are excited to test ourselves against the best in pursuit of competing for a Landmark Conference championship." - Head Coach, Evan Scheffey

Goucher College

  • Head Coach: Bryan Laut (15th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 10-8-3 (4-4-1 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 7th

The Gophers are well-equipped for the upcoming season, featuring 25 returning players, including eight starters, under the guidance of Head Coach Bryan Laut.

Key returnees include senior forward Michael Adekanmbi, who earned Landmark Second Team and USC All-Region honors last year with seven goals and 10 assists. Senior midfielder Gus Dalzell added four goals and one assist, while junior Andres Aristimuno also netted four goals. Junior Paul Van Engeland contributed three goals and two assists, and senior Will Frasier added five assists. In goal, junior Ale Sternini returns with a 1.74 GAA and a .705 save percentage.

Goucher kicks off their season at home against Cairn on Aug. 30, with Landmark Conference play starting on Sept. 28 against Lycoming.

Our team is looking forward to another competitive season in the Landmark Conference. We are excited about our returning players and the impact our first years can have for us as we look to build on our momentum from the past two seasons and continue to compete for a Landmark playoff spot. - Head Coach Bryan Laut

Juniata College

  • Head Coach: Brendan Grady (3rd Season)
  • 2023 Record: 6-9-1 (2-7-0 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 8th

Entering his third season at the helm of the Eagles, Head Coach Brendan Grady is eager to lead the team to success by blending experienced players with fresh talent.

Key returners include senior defenders Donovan Goad, John Hanosek, and Sean Weiland, who will provide crucial stability and leadership in the backline. Senior midfielder Victor Vandendroek is also expected to be a key contributor, adding both defensive ability and offensive support.

The team faces the challenge of replacing goalkeeper Axel Grater, who was a vital part of the squad last season with a .750 save percentage and three shutouts, leaving a significant gap to fill in goal.

The Eagles will open their season on Aug. 30 at Pitt-Greensburg before returning home to face Marymount on Sept. 3. Landmark Conference play will begin on Sept. 28 against Drew.

"We are looking forward to the season." - Head Coach Brendan Grady

Lycoming College

  • Head Coach: John Schwien (1st Season)
  • 2023 Record: 11-4-6 (7-0-2 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: t3rd

The Warriors head into the new season with momentum under new Head Coach John Schwien, following an undefeated run through the Landmark Conference last year. The squad returns their top five scorers and benefits from the experience of seven players who each started at least 10 games in 2023. However, they will need to replace key contributors, including First Team All-Landmark goalkeeper Nick Wilke and standout defender Brayden Wise, who earned Landmark Defensive Player of the Year last season.

Senior defender Kenny Clapp, a Third Team All-Region selection and Second Team All-Landmark honoree will anchor the defense, while junior forward Christian Woobay and junior midfielder Jaeden Asare, both Second Team All-Landmark selections, are expected to be pivotal in the attack and midfield.

The Warriors will start their season at the Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament against Baldwin-Wallace on Aug. 31, followed by their first home match against Mount Aloysius on Sept. 4. Landmark Conference play will commence on Sept. 28 at Goucher.

"We are incredibly excited to get going and delivering the high-level brand of Lycoming soccer that has been the standard for much of the last 35 or so years. With so much transition in the conference this year, we are looking forward to getting going and mixing it up." – Head Coach John Schwien

Moravian University

  • Head Coach: Bob Wilkinson (6th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 6-7-5 (4-4-1 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 6th

As the 2024 season approaches, Head Coach Bob Wilkinson, now in his sixth year with the program, is set to lead the Greyhounds into another competitive campaign. With a solid roster and considerable experience returning, Wilkinson aims to build on past successes and elevate the team's performance this season.

Moravian returns a strong lineup, including senior midfielder Hunter Shay and sophomore defender Aidan McMillan, both of whom earned Landmark Second Team honors in 2023. The squad returns 27 players, including five fifth-year student-athletes such as Kyle Weiss, a senior forward/defender who was named to the 2022 Landmark All-Conference Second Team.

The Greyhounds will open their season on Aug. 30 at Widener before returning home to face Ramapo College of New Jersey on Sept. 4. Landmark Conference play begins on Sept. 28 against Catholic.

Preseason is off to a great start. We are excited to see how the season plays out and hope to be playing important games in November." - Head Coach Bob Wilkinson

University of Scranton

  • Head Coach: Andy Loughnane (1st Season)
  • 2023 Record: 8-4-5 (2-3-4 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: t3rd

The Royals welcome new Head Coach Andy Loughnane, who joins Scranton after his tenure at Misericordia. With Loughnane at the helm, the Royals aim to compete for a tournament berth within the Landmark Conference this season.

Scranton will need to address the loss of midfielder Patrick Walls Kelly, an All-Landmark Honorable Mention who started 16 games and contributed one goal and two assists. The team will also miss Nick Addamo's midfield presence and experience, as he started 13 of his 14 appearances last season.

Despite these departures, the Royals retain key returners, including forward Ciaran Corr, an All-Landmark Second Team selection who recorded seven goals, one assist, and 15 points, including two game-winners. Justin Curran added three goals and one assist, while Matt Capretto contributed one goal and three assists. On defense, Logan Campbell, also an All-Landmark Second Team pick, started all 17 games and was crucial in allowing the fewest goals in the Landmark Conference. Alex Kozdron, starting 14 games, provided strong defensive support, and goalkeeper Charlie Smith returns with a 0.79 GAA and .810 save percentage.

The Royals will kick off their season on Aug. 30 against Messiah University, who won their fifth straight MAC Conference Title in 2023. Landmark Conference play will begin on Sept. 28 at Elizabethtown.

"I am excited to be back at Scranton and am looking forward to the competitive experience the Landmark Conference is known for" - Head Coach Andy Loughnane

Susquehanna University

  • Head Coach: Jim Findlay (27th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 3-10-3 (1-7-1 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 10th

Entering his 27th season as head coach, Jim Findlay, the winningest coach in Susquehanna Men's Soccer history, will once again lead the River Hawks into the 2024 season with hopes of improvement following 2023.

The team returns senior forward Max Paczewski, an All-Landmark First Team selection who finished second in the conference with 10 goals last season. With a career total of 39 points from 17 goals and five assists, Paczewski is expected to be a key offensive force, driving the team's attack in the upcoming season.

The River Hawks begin their season at Misericordia on Aug. 30, followed by a home game against Keystone on Sept. 7. Landmark Conference play will start on Sept. 28 versus Wilkes.

"After a successful preseason, we are anxiously awaiting the start of the 2024 Regular Season. After a couple of disappointing seasons, the team has been working really hard since the end of the 2023 season in hopes of making a return to Landmark Conference playoffs in 2024." - Head Coach Jim Findlay

Wilkes University

  • Head Coach: Michael Piranian (8th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 3-8-5 (1-6-2 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 9th

With a strong mix of returning players and new talent, Head Coach Michael Piranian is eager to start the 2024 season and improve on last year's performance.

A key challenge for the Colonels will be replacing former goalkeeper Nick Kinzler, who was named Landmark Conference Defensive Athlete of the Week three times in 2023 and earned First Team All-Landmark honors with a .754 save percentage.

The team will rely on senior midfielders/forwards Xavier Guerrero and Herbert Ramirez. Guerrero's versatility will be vital in both attack and playmaking, while Ramirez's offensive skills and experience are expected to enhance the team's attack.

The Colonels open their season at Marywood on Aug. 30 before returning home for a match against Ithaca on Sept. 2. Landmark Conference play will begin on Sept. 28 at Susquehanna.

"I am really excited to get this season started! We have a good core returning and I feel like we have made good strides to improve in this offseason. We will need our leaders to step up in big ways, especially with our recent assistant departure. Similarly, the league has quite a few new head coaches that we hope to capitalize on in their transition." - Head Coach Michael Piranian