Riverdale, NY - A record setting first season for head coach Tommy Mattera and the new look Dolphins soccer program puts the team in a prime position to challenge for the Skyline Conference crown for the first time in program history. The team's 12 overall wins was the most in program history, and their 9-1-2 conference mark placed CMSV second overall, setting up a semifinals matchup against number six Yeshiva University.
"The staff feels good about where we are now and moving forward into the future of the program," Mattera stated to CMSVAthletics.com. We are still growing in many ways and want to continue the process of creating an identity, and becoming more competitive. We believe we've just scratched the surface with what we can do."
Mattera's hiring reformed the men's soccer roster, but in just a span of two months, the team has meshed and turned into a growing powerhouse.
That has started with leadership. Graduate student Luciano Cirelli returned as captain for the fourth time in five years and has helped lead a menacing defense led by transfers and newcomers like Fernando Guzman, Dennis Andino, Matthew Babcock, Isaac Tamer and Alejandro Rodriguez, among others.
Joel Luna may have missed his first collegiate season due to the coronavirus pandemic but the sophomore goaltender looks right at home in net. The San Diego, California native allowed less than a goal per game in 15 starts this season.
The offense has been equally as impressive. Joining the captain ranks was junior transfer Ian Lamas, who has taken the Skyline by storm with eight goals and four assists and will be in the running for All-Conference recognition. So will freshman Carlos Romero, who has played like the Skyline's Rookie of the Year this season. The duo has been joined by Antonio Padilla, Santiago Ferrer, Lukas Cunha, Ruben Collazos, Luke St. Denis, Tristan Arechiga, Lizardo Tamaura and Juan Cardenas as one of the most formidable attacks in the conference.
The Maccabees will come to Riverdale as a worthy opponent after knocking off the third-seeded Farmingdale State Rams. But for Mattera and his Dolphins, it's all about controlling their own fate.
"The plan is to continue to focus on becoming a better version of ourselves. Getting better in the areas where we feel we have been strong and some minor adjustments in those where we have not," concluded Mattera.
The Skyline semifinals showdown will take place at 2:00 PM on Marillac Field. If you can't make it to the game, be sure to tune in live on CMSVAthletics.com.
