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SUNY Delhi Men’s Soccer 2023 Season Preview

SUNY Delhi Men’s Soccer 2023 Season Preview

SUNY Delhi men's soccer, led by Head Coach E.J. Reutemann, is eagerly preparing for the 2023 season following their remarkable progress last year. Coach Reutemann, who received the North Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year award, is now in his third year with the team and aims to guide them back to the title match. He will be joined by assistant coach Ryan Jaquay, who is entering his second year, along with three dedicated student assistants.

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Last season was a significant milestone for the Broncos as they secured their first-ever appearance in the championship game after winning the NAC West title. They would be defeated in double overtime in the NAC Championship, resulting in a disappointing end to an otherwise extraordinary season. The team achieved an impressive feat by finishing above .500 wins for the first time since 2019, boasting a record of (10-7-2) compared to the previous season's (3-12-1) under Coach Reutemann. The substantial improvement highlights the team's potential for further success in the upcoming season.

"The group has used the momentum from last fall over the last ten months to continue to add to the identity of the program. We are excited about where our experienced leadership currently is while adding incoming talented individuals to the culture," said head coach Reutemann, "With the introduction of new teams to the conference, it will bring a very unique and new dynamic to the overall outlook. Our goals remain the same and we look forward to trying to be best version of ourselves each day."

As the new season approaches, the men's soccer team is poised to kick off with a perfect blend of seasoned players and promising new talent. With a strong contingent of returning athletes and an infusion of fresh faces, the Delhi squad's expectations are high. The team boasts ten newcomers, representing a healthy mix of junior college transfers and incoming first years, all determined to leave a lasting impact from the outset.

The team's attacking prowess was evident last season, with an impressive average of 1.58 goals per game. Striker Michael Williams Jr. was a standout player, leading the conference with 11 goals and earning a well-deserved First-Team All-NAC selection. He also contributed four game-winning goals and accumulated 21 total points. Senior Anthony Cuellar, another key player, brings his skills to the wing position, having provided five assists in the previous season.

On the defensive side, junior Erik Kleczkowski stands out as a pivotal player for the Broncos. As a Second-Team All-NAC awardee, he played a crucial role in the team's success last year, starting all 19 games and serving as an engine for the team. Kleczkowski's contributions included one game-winning goal, two goals, and an assist last season.

After a strong showing in the 2022 season, the Delhi defense is determined to continue its improvement in the upcoming season. Notably, the emergence of first-year standout defenders Vaughn Bottex and Matt Serrao made a significant impact on the Delhi backline.

Vaughn Bottex proved his worth by earning a spot on the Second Team All-NAC after starting in all 19 games. He showcased his versatility, being a crucial asset both in the team's attack and defense. Bottex's contributions included scoring four goals and netting two match-winning goals, playing a pivotal role in the green and gold's successes last season.

Equally impressive, Matt Serrao had an outstanding debut season, scoring a goal and leading the team with five assists. His skills and vision on the field added a new dimension to the team. With the continued growth and contribution of these standout defenders, Delhi aims to strengthen its defensive line further and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

The Broncos' upcoming schedule includes 16 regular season games with the action kicking off on September 3rd when they take on Maritime (N.Y.) at home at 7:00 PM EST. Delhi's standout games this year kick off with their first NAC home action when they host SUNY Canton on September 23rd. A total of eight matches will be held on Neil Riddell, including three NAC conference games. The regular season will culminate with a home match against SUNY ESF on October 21st.