2023 Tufts Men's Soccer Season Preview

MEDFORD, MA (September 5^th, 2023) - - Tufts University men's soccer kick off their season opener vs local rivals Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this Wednesday, September 6^th from Bello Field in Medford, MA. This is the third time these two teams face off to open their season in the past three years. Tufts have been victorious over MIT in both prior season openers, winning 5-0 in 2022 with goals scored by Ian Daly, Mikey Brady, and Mark Huynh off the bench. And winning 1-0 in extra time during the 2021 season opener by senior Sean Traynor.

Jumbos look to build off last season, as they finished 8-3-7 overall (3-2-5 New England Small College Athletic Conference, NESCAC). Tufts was defeated in the NESCAC postseason tournament last year after a nail-biter finished in penalty kicks took Williams College over the top of Tufts University with a 4-3 victory over Tufts. The Jumbos season concluded after a 2-0 loss to Oneonta in the second round of the NCAA Division III Soccer Tournament.

 Jumbos take a seismic hit to their roster as they lose eight seniors to graduation, including star defenseman Ian Daly, who led the team in points with five goals and two assists, good for 12 points, a team-high last year. However, head coach Kyle Dezotell seemingly views the positive side of this, saying "I think our program is in a really good spot. In some ways we are very young, I think something like 19 or 20 players are freshmen or sophomores. In a lot of ways it's a young team, but I also think it's also a really hungry team that is excited to earn their own success and hopefully earn their own legacy to leave within all the success that this program has had."

Following the conclusion of last season, Tufts earned their 8-3-7 record (3-2-5 NESCAC) by netting a total of 32 goals on 274 shots taken. While goalkeeper Erik Lauta took main responsibilities in between the posts, generating 56 saves last season, while only conceding 12 goals.

Despite the ending to last season, the energy among this year's team is overall "positive, happy, and productive" according to coach Dezotell following a fair preseason showing against Harvard University.

Returning seniors Sean Traynor, Max Clivio, and junior Taylor Feinberg were elected captains for this season among their teammates, and have risen to the occasion in terms of stepping into a leadership role for the young squad this season. "They've done a fantastic job. We return a fair amount of guys from last season, but certainly, some guys are going to be playing bigger roles this year, are going to be required to step up." According to coach Dezotell.

Positional Breakdown:
 
Goalkeeping: The Jumbos will have a new netminder between the posts this season, as Erik Lauta has since moved on from the program. Tufts will still have some experience in goal though, as Nik Antic comes to Medford after playing his first year at Division I Northeastern University. He will battle both Sammy Kao and Zach Ubamadu for playing time this season. All three options are very athletic, can play out of the back and are superior shot stoppers. 

Defending: Team Captain Max Clivio is supported in the back line by fellow senior Gibson Campbell, along with juniors Taylor Feinberg, Alex Wall and Owen Denby, and sophomores Matteo Bargagna.

Clivio started all 18 games he appeared in last season, serving as the enforcer for the Jumbos. Feinberg, who netted three goals last season, looks to add to his total this year. Mark Huynh also will get time at outside back. 

First-year Ethan Jett provides additional depth on the defensive end for the Jumbos.

Midfield: The midfielders occupy a large portion of the roster spots for Dezotell, with eight upperclassmen returners, two sophomore returners, and four first-years all competing each day for an opportunity to contribute for the Jumbos.

Daniel Yanez is back in the middle as an attacking midfielder, and should look to build on what was a strong first season. Liam Gerken has been a big part of the midfield as well over his career, and he also looks like he will slot into the midfield diamond at the front as well. First-year Demir Calkap and junior Andres Rosas will also play as an attacking midfielder, as will Luke Randolph. 

At the holding midfield spot, the Jumbos will have a large contingent to play. Feinberg is a solid option as a defensive midfielder, as is sophomore James Gunn. Woovin Shin scored a pair of goals and his well-rounded game allows him to play all three spots in the midfield diamond. 

First-year Bijan Akhaktarzandi-Das has had a strong preseason, while classmate Ben Brown will give the Jumbos a big-bodied player to control the midfield as a holding midfielder. Ben Pensky returns as a sophomore and will look be an option in the deepest position on the roster. 

Forwards/Attack: 10 Jumbos make up the total attackers for the squad. Graduate student Bryce Visnick is joined by senior captain Sean Traynor and Mikey Brady, followed by juniors Anthony Bhangdia and Ben Verner.

The five underclassmen attackers are made by sophomores Mason Schultz, and Henry Perkins, and first years Zack Salfi, Xavier Canfin, and Sandy Duggal as they provide additional depth at the forward position for the Jumbos.

Look for Perkins, Brady and Visnick to be the center forward options, while Feigin, Cangin, Salfi and Duggal play out on the left side. The right wingers group will include Traynor, Shultz, Verner and Bangdia. 

Tufts University kick off their 2023 campaign from Bello Field, at 6:00pm on Wednesday, September 6 as they take on NCAA Division III giants MIT for the third consecutive opener against them in as many years.

Check out Tufts University - Official Athletics Website (gotuftsjumbos.com) for live stats, and Tufts JumboCast for the live stream, available at 6:00pm EST on Wednesday, September 6^th.