Bryant Men's Soccer Ready To Open New Season 

Looking to pick up from a strong finish to the '05 season, the Bryant University men's soccer team looks to make another push towards a postseason appearance this fall. 

Following an eight victory season that saw the Bulldogs reach the Northeast-10 Conference tournament semifinals with a hard-fought overtime win against nationally-ranked Merrimack, the 2006 squad looks to build on that momentum and make a strong push towards another spot in the post-season.

Under the direction of head coach Seamus Purcell, Bryant men's soccer has been very competitive in the always-tough Northeast-10 Conference. The Bulldogs have posted six consecutive winning conference seasons and amassed 23 wins over the past three seasons.

This year's Bulldogs feature a strong cast of veteran players (8 seniors) as well as one of the program's best class of newcomers, all of whom look to make an immediate impact.

Here's a breakdown of how the Bulldogs stack up entering the new season:

FORWARD

Much of the Bryant offense will run through junior Mike Gargulio (North Branford, Conn.).  The second-leading scorer on the team last season and top returning scorer with three goals and seven points, Gargulio's quick-strike ability will be important in the team's success. 

Seniors Wheeler Smith (Franklin, Mass.) and Sam Grande (Herkimer, N.Y.) will look to fill the holes left by the graduation of several seniors from a year ago.  Both are capable scorers with excellent ability and creativity in front of the net. 

Classmate Kyle Bruton (Guilford, Conn.) is another talented forward with good game experience who should challenge for a regular position up front.

Newcomers Conor Moore (Shoreham, N.Y.), Matthew Brown (South Easton, Mass.), and Ryan Aspinall (Clinton, Conn.) should push for time up front and give the team a healthy balance of depth on offense.

MIDFIELD

The deepest and most experienced position perhaps resides in the midfield.  Purcell will count heavily on a talented cast to establish tempo and scoring opportunities from this group, led by veterans Bryan Gravel (Londonderry, N.H.), Jason Alvarez (Westport, Conn.), and Justin Stepnowski (Glastonbury, Conn.). 

All bring excellent skill and field vision which will help the Bulldogs stay aggressive and competitive.  Rodriguez was third on the team with six points as a freshman while playing in all 18 games. 

Gravel was also third with six points and is the type of player that makes his teammates better with his command of the game along with Alvarez.  

Stepnowski is one of the team's most consistent players, always going hard on both the offensive (three goals in '05) and on the defensive end of the field.

Newcomers Mathew Devine (Mount Sinai, N.Y.), Ben Emard (Swansea, Mass.), Alan Adler (La Jolla, Calif.), and David Moskos (Plymouth, Mass. / North) are all highly talented recruits who look to contribute immediately in their first season at Bryant.

DEFENSE

Defensively, the Bulldogs may appear a bit youthful, at least on paper. But Purcell will have the luxury of having veterans like co-captain Patrick Doherty (Easton, Mass.),  Kyle Tierney (Westborough, Mass.), and Nick Balistrieri (Glastonbury, Conn.) roaming the defensive line. 

A talented unit, and while each may offer a unique style of play, all will provide the Bulldogs a physical presence in the box.

Doherty is a sound defensive player and brings an experience of playing in 44 games during the past three seasons.   

Balistrieri is a returning starter and with a 6-foot 2-inch frame, gives the team good height in front of the net.  Bryant saw action in 17 games a year ago and will look to return as a starter while Tierney is poised for a breakout season for the Bulldogs at stopper.  

Newcomers Torey Almeida (North Dighton, Mass.), Patrick Bedard (East Longmeadow, Mass.), Connor Richardson (Attleboro Falls, Mass.), Tyler Sabo (Scarborough, Mass.), and John Soborski (Stratham, N.H.) give the defensive unit good depth.

GOALKEEPER

One position heading into the new season with a little certainty comes between the pipes as the Purcell will have two regulars back again this fall, plus a pair of newcomers who expect to give the team solid footing for the future. 

Junior Thomas Madden (Saco, Maine) started the first nine game of last season, posting a 3-3-2 record and 1.47 goals against average.  Alex Bissias (Harpswell, Maine), entering his final season, closed out the season starting the final 10 games, leading Bryant to a 5-3-1 record during those matches.

During that time, Bissias posted an impressive 0.88 goals against average with three shutouts.  Newcomers Nick Nybo (Ashland, Mass.) and Neil Black (Roslyn Heights, N.Y.) all have outstanding credentials.