2006 was the Lesley University men's soccer team's 1st year in existence. The team was very young, consisting of only one senior, one junior, six sophomores and ten freshmen. Head coach Paul Vasconcelos asserted that their 3-13-1 record was better than he had anticipated. The education that the team received on how to finish games and how to play in close games will serve the program for a long time to come.
In 2007, LU plays 5 of their first 6 matches at home in Cambridge. The team also has several upperclassman returners in 2007. Consistency of both schedule and players bodes well for a reversal of 2006. The Lynx hope to be able to be on the other end of the four games lost by a goal last season. If so, they could qualify for the North Atlantic Conference tournament.
The team will be led by sophomore captain Scott Wheeler (East Hampton, CT), who will hold down the backline as the team's sweeper. In his freshmen year, Wheeler quickly became one of the best central defenders in the NAC and will team up with central defender and senior captain Mark Montgomery (Leeds, ENGLAND).
Joining the two captains in the ranks of the upperclassman is junior Sam Mead (Worthing, ENGLAND), who will be counted on to contribute to the scoring with his speed. Evan Hunt (Cambridge, Mass.), a hard working sophomore, will be an integral part of the defensive midfield.
Other returning players Alex Bixby (Francestown, N.H.), Zach Rocha (New Bedford, Mass.), and Nick Wilkins (Lincoln, Mass.) must contribute for the Lynx to be successful in 2007.
The 2007 recruiting class brings 8 players who can all contribute immediately. First and foremost are two freshman defenders. Steven Siragusa (Valley Stream, N.Y.) and Beau Morimando (Bayshore, N.Y.) will both vie for playing time and add much needed depth the back line. Alex Fisher (East Hampton, Conn.) will be counted on to hold the middle of the field for the Lynx. Coach Vasconcelos also brought in Clark Davidson (Keeseville, N.Y.), Joe Petit (Salem, Mass.), and Tyler Reeves (Coventry, Conn.)- all attacking-minded players who will come in and add to the midfield and attack. A big impact should come from Zach Almeida-Beers (Rehoboth, Mass.), who will come in as a keeper but offers lots of versatility by also playing in the field.