August 31, 2009

STANDISH, ME - Expectations are high for the 2009 Saint Joseph's Men's Soccer program as the Monks return a bevy of talent from the 2008 side that exceeded all expectations by advancing to the GNAC Championship against Norwich.

First-year Head Coach Steve Babineau takes the reins for the Monks, who will be welcomed into the fold with a highly competitive schedule, including the home and season opener against reigning MASCAC Champion Framingham State on September 1st (2:00 PM).

The Monks' defense, which set a new program record, and tied for the GNAC lead, in fewest goals allowed last year (20), is expected to be strong yet again in 2009. All-GNAC keeper Will Pike '10 (Gorham, ME) returns along with defenders Greg Cavanaugh '10 (Haverhill, MA), Matt Loiselle '10 (Woburn, MA), Joe Happnie '11 (Rockland, MA) and Tim Davison '11 (Danvers, MA).

Midfielder Paul Robins '11 (Cornwall, England), a 2008 Second Team All-Conference honoree, set a program record for assists (10) last year and needs just four helpers to break the SJC career record. Senior playmaker Andre Cushing (Hampden, ME) will also patrol the middle of the pitch for the Monks.

Another 2008 GNAC Second Team player, Doug MacCallum '10 (Hingham, MA), will lead the Monks' offensive efforts again in 2009. MacCallum set the SJC career record for goals (26) last fall and with two more points this season he'll break the program record for career points. Freshman Jack LaFreniere (Alton, NH) is expected to contribute offensively for the Monks as well.

Other first-year players expected to compete for time on the pitch this fall include Corey Grant '13 (Haverhill, MA), Gerald Cushing '13 (Hampden, ME) and Matt Barlion '13 (Auburn, ME).