Lycoming News

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- After reaching the United East playoffs last season for the first time since 2018, Penn College men's soccer coach Tyler Mensch is hopeful for more success.

Penn College opens its season at 2 p.m. on Friday at Centenary University.

"Our preseason has started off strong as we had four days of a traditional preseason where we could practice twice a day. It's the most preseason days I've had during my tenure at Penn College," Mensch said.

"Having a somewhat normal preseason has allowed the guys to become more cohesive and get to really know each other. In years past, last year, for example, our first practice was the first day of class, which can be a challenge as the guys are not able to hang out after practice and create those strong bonds that happen when your focus is fully on soccer with no other distractions. From a camaraderie standpoint, I'd say this is one of the closest groups I've had to start a season, and the play has shown as they all trust each other more than years past," the ninth-year coach said.

Key returning players from last season's team that finished 7-7-3 overall and 2-4-1 in UE matches are seniors Tommy DeGeyter of Long Valley, N.J., a two-time UE second-team defender, and goalkeeper Cole Catherman of Selinsgrove.

"DeGeyter will help anchor our back line. Tommy is a very strong one-on-one defender and someone who we can rely on to make a big play in the defending third of the field. Cole is a standout whose athleticism helps him make saves that your average goalkeeper cannot make. Cole will be relied upon to make big saves for us this fall in net," Mensch said.

Two freshmen that Mensch expects will make an impact are forward Robert Antonini of Schuylkill Haven and forward/wing/center midfielder Scott Goldfeder of Mechanicsburg.

"Robert was a Schuylkill League co-MVP and Pennsylvania All-State player out of Blue Mountain High School. He is a big, strong and fast forward who is dynamic in front of goal. If he stays healthy, he is going to have a big year for us right out of the gate," Mensch said.

"Scott is a pacey and shifty attacking player who has a very high soccer IQ. Scott finds gaps in between the lines of defenders and has a quick change of pace that helps him beat defenders in the final third of the field. He was a District III Mid-Penn first-team player last year from Cedar Cliff High School," Mensch said.

"A week into the season, I have been pleased with the level of play as we have brought in 14 new players who have hit the ground running and really been impressive. The 12 freshmen and two transfer students have pushed our returners and have created a lot of competition at multiple positions. If guys stay healthy, we are going to have a lot of depth and choices to make with lineups and how we want to play," Mensch continued.

"Early on, our attacking guys have been much more dynamic in one-on-one situations than years past. There seems to be much more confidence in the final third of play and guys are doing well finishing chances they've created in practice."

"I think a big team strength this fall will be our depth. In years past, we haven't had a large bench, which significantly dropped our level of play from the first team to reserves. Based on early observations, we have many players who can play different positions effectively."

"Our goal is for our level of play not to drop off after making substitutions; I feel like we are heading in that direction with players who will maintain or even raise the level when called upon."

"Our one-on-one defending as a team can be better. Our attacking players are much improved; it may take just longer for defenders to catch up."

"As it is every year, we must stay healthy." Mensch noted an injury already affecting their attack but remains optimistic about avoiding further significant injuries.

"We have fairly strong nonconference schedule that I believe will prepare us for our eight United East Conference matches."

The Wildcats aim for another playoff appearance: "Every year, our goal is to make United East tournament... As team wants finish .500-plus overall record hopefully host UEC playoff match."

The Wildcats face seven United East foes during regular season; four being first-time opponents from former Colonial States Athletic Conference joined United East last season.

Top 12 out 16 UE teams participate single-elimination postseason playoffs Oct 30-Nov 9 Last year St Mary's (Md) College Rosemont College won divisional titles St Mary's captured overall championship.