After posting a winning record in 2005, the RPI men’s soccer team finished the 2006 season at 5-11-1. Although it does not say much, the Red Hawks were in the mix and fought for a win in many of their games, and could have easily seen things turn out different had lady luck been on their side. Bad breaks and miscues lead to what was ultimately a disheartening season, but the team made great strides, and will look to rebound this year.
Returning for Rensselaer are seniors, and last year’s captains, John Thibdeau (goalie) and Gary Sroka (forward/midfielder). Thibdeau made 36 stops in goal last season, and Sroka scored three times and tallied six points for the Red Hawks.
Rensselaer also has a promising group of underclassmen, including the team’s two leading scorers, sophomore Jabel Prom (four goals), and junior Mike Henzel (three goals, tied with Sroka). Sophomore Lincoln Field and junior Brandon LeFevere, among others, were bright spots for the Red Hawks as well and will look to provide energy and act as a spark on the field for the RPI men.
Head Coach Adam Clinton and company will kick off this season with games on consecutive days, August 31 and September 1, as they play host to the annual Red Hawk Classic. The RPI men will take on Purchase College at 5:30 pm on Friday and Colby-Sawyer College at 1 pm on Saturday for an action-packed weekend.
The Red Hawks went 1-6 in conference play last year, which was a main factor in the way the season turned out, but the men will have plenty of opportunities to get revenge this season as they have seven games, of a 16-game schedule, versus their Liberty League rivals. Look for RPI to turn things around from day one, as coach Clinton knows that this is a team that can accomplish great things.
