The 2018 Coast Men's soccer team looks to build on last year's success, that saw them win 10 games for the first time since 2014 and advance to the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) semi-finals.
A staple of the men's soccer program has been the Bears defense and will continue to be this season led by seniors Noah Harper and Greg Burnham and junior Brock Hassett.
The three have combined to start 119 games and helped last years defense allow only 11 goals with a .058 goals against average during the 2017 season.
Sophomore Daniel Taglianetti joins the back four after appearing in 16 games last season, including one start, tallying two assists. Junior Wilson Nichols will also give the defense some needed depth.
The Bears return three goalies for the 2018 season in senior William Bragaw, junior Dakota and sophomore James Morrison. The two upperclassmen have set themselves apart with their experience but all three have played well during the preseason.
"Billy and Dakota both have experience and Duncan (James Morrison) has made good strides during the offseason," commented Parsons. "Early on it has been good with all three of them working hard."
Sitting in front of the Bears defense will be senior Garrett Magill and junior Pryor Miller playing in a defensive midfield role. The two players have combined for 79 appearances and play a vital role in the teams defense and transition.
"We are very solid in what I call the 'six'," added Parsons. "This group has a lot of experience which is a real positive for us."
Sliding into a starting role with Palermo-Re will be sophomore Noa Pagatpatan who appeared in all 18 games last season. Pagatpatan and Palermo-Re have different playing styles but will compliment each other well in the middle of the park. Also seeing time off the bench will be junior Nicholas Gibbs who has played well during preseason.
"Pat has a lot of experience under his belt and played all of last season in a similar role," said Parsons. "Noa has an engine and I am excited to see him get forward and take players on."
On the wings, the team will have multiple options with seniors Landon Klopfenstein and Quintin Parsons, junior Taka Lendon and sophomore Seth Anderson. This group combined for two goals and four assists last season and will bring a mix of speed and finesse to the Bears midfield.
Look for senior Griffin Klages, junior Gio Ottomanelli and freshman Robert Fugett to be other viable options for the Bears up top as both have played well during preseason and in the team's opening scrimmage against Western New England.
With 23 players returning and a small but skilled group of freshmen joining the team, Parsons is confident in this squad to have a chance for success every time they step foot on the pitch.
"I know this team will compete in every game," added Parsons. "It is a quicker preseason for us but I am looking forward to the season. The guys are in good shape and they have out on strength in the off season. Optimistic."
The Bears will once again face an always difficult conference schedule highlighted by games against Springfield (9/15, Home), WPI (10/13, Home) and Babson (10/27, Away). In non-conference action, Coast Guard welcomes Merchant Marine (9/8, Home) back to schedule after a year hiatus along with games against Johnson & Wales (9/5, Away), Newbury College (10/1, Home) and Williams (10/9, Away).
For the fifth straight year, the Bears will open their season at the University of Southern Maine Husky Fall Classic against Thomas (Maine) on Friday Auguts 31st at 4:00 pm and on Saturday, September 1st at 6:00 pm against host Southern Maine.