Gone is the winningest class in the program’s history and the school’s all-time leading scorer, but the expectations have not changed for the Canisius College men’s soccer team. The Griffs return a talented squad in 2010 and with an even deeper team, this year’s unit has visions of outperforming its predecessor.

“We are a more balanced and a more well-rounded team,” said Canisius head coach Jim Hesch. “With the addition of a talented class, we have a lot of depth at key positions and because of that, we will be a better team as the season progresses. With the returners that we have and with our newcomers, we have a definite chance to achieve our goals, which includes a MAAC Championship.”

The seven-member senior class from last season totaled 26 wins during their careers and were led by the program’s all-time leading scorer Alan McGreal. While the goals and assists tallied by McGreal will be tough to replace by one single individual, Hesch envisions each member of the team filling the hole and leading the Griffs to victories.

“Alan was a great player for us and his talents are going to be greatly missed,” Hesch said. “But it also opens the door for other players. We are looking forward to other players stepping up and filling the void that Alan left.

“This year, I think we can come together as a team and get the job done instead of relying on one individual to carry us. This just has the making for a more competitive and well-rounded group than last year. We are strong at all positions and are confident that everybody can get the job done.”

Leading the Griffs during the 2010 season will be elected captains Adam Kingston and Hector Rodriguez. The two seniors each bring different experiences and will hope to help Canisius reach its goals this season.

“Hector is in his fourth year here and he brings a lot of Canisius College experience,” Hesch said. “He will hopefully use that – both the good and the bad – to lead this team in a positive direction. Adam is in only his second year at Canisius but he brings a lot of experience from successful teams in the past. We are now hoping that he can bring some of that success here at Canisius.”

Backs
Kingston is in his second year anchoring the Canisius back line in 2010. The senior started all 19 games in his first season with the Griffs and will now need to anchor a talented but young unit.

“Adam has gained a lot of experience since last year, coming into a new team with a lot of seniors,” Hesch said. “He had to sit back a little bit and take it all in but I feel over the course of the year, he has grown as a player and grown as a leader. Hopefully, it translates into a positive year.”

Joining Kingston in the defensive unit is junior J.J. Hughes and newcomers Philip Smithers, Aaron Ramos-Gonzalez and Robert Ryan. Hughes is the second-most experienced player in the unit, starting nine games during his career.

“We are lacking a little Canisius College experience at defense but we bring a wealth of playing experience from junior colleges or club ball,” Hesch said. “They have all accomplished a lot in their young careers and hopefully that will continue into this season.”

Rodriguez, sophomore Charles Crook and freshman Will Hudson round out the unit and add depth to the back line.

Goalkeepers
Playing behind the defensive unit this season is a trio of goalkeepers. Junior Luke Seymour, sophomore transfer Kareem Gray and freshman Ryan Arvin are all competing for playing time and the starting goalkeeper job.

“Kareem joined us in the spring after playing for the University of District Columbia,” Hesch said. “He had a really good spring season and we are looking for him to compete for the starting job with Luke, while freshman Ryan Arvin adds to our depth.”

Seymour started the final five games of the season for the Griffs last year, posting a goals against average of 1.33 and a save percentage of .774. In his only season at the University of District Columbia, Gray registered a .724 save percentage to anchor the team’s defense.

Midfield
The midfield unit will also see a number of new faces in 2010 but will be led by a rising sophomore in Sam Zarka. As a freshman, Zarka showed his promise with five points on a goal and three assists and Hesch will look for him to take the next step in 2010.

“We are looking for Sam Zarka to be our offensive threat and playmaker in the midfield,” Hesch said. “Sam is very technical and is a offensive-minded player who we think will spark the attack this season.”

Newcomers Sam Guibert and Steve Mahon join Zarka in the midfield unit and will be looked toward to fill the void left by last year’s seniors.

Senior Greg Anne, who netted two goals in MAAC play last season, junior Zak DuGuay, sophomore Jared Ott and freshman Justin Montero will all add depth in the central midfield position, while sophomore Paul Klopfer and freshman Zack Schwartz give the team options out wide.

Forward
The forward position is a unit that will benefit in 2010 with another year of playing experience. The two mainstays in Regan Steele and Casper Rej-Kleczek are both back for their sophomore seasons and will be joined by junior transfer Gavin Falconer.

“We are hoping for Regan and Casper to both build off their freshman seasons,” Hesch said. “Those two players along with newcomer Gavin Falconer are the keys to us being able to put the ball in the back of the net.”

Steele recorded three points during his rookie campaign, while Rej-Kleczek was limited to just seven games due to injury, registering one assist.

Senior Matt Sprague plus sophomores Ian Buzzio and Andrew Incho round out the unit and provide the needed depth at the position.

Schedule
The Griffs kick off the 2010 season on Wednesday, September 1 with a road contest at Drexel. Canisius then plays at Delaware on Sept. 3 before returning to the Demske Sports Complex for the team’s home opener against Buffalo on Sept. 10. The Griffs also host local rival St. Bonaventure in non-conference action, while playing at Cornell, Robert Morris, Syracuse and Dayton.

The quest for the 2010 MAAC Championship begins on Oct. 8, playing host to Fairfield. Canisius also welcomes regular-season champion Iona, postseason champion Loyola, Rider and Niagara to the Demske Sports Complex and plays at Manhattan, Saint Peter’s, Siena and Marist during the conference season.

The top four teams during the MAAC regular season qualify for the MAAC Championship, hosted by Loyola on Nov. 12 and 14.