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2009 Soccer
2009 Outlook
After a turnaround season in 2008, Siena is filled with potential Elliott and his staff have a familiar feeling of newness to this
and hopes to build on last year’s success. Rookie head coach season with the loss of six letterwinners and the addition of
Gareth Elliott instituted a team-first mentality that culminated 11 freshmen.
with the program’s most league wins since joining the confer-
ence in 1989, and a second place MAAC finish. “We’re excited to have such a large squad this season,” said
Elliott, who managed a healthy roster of 17 last year and will
“I think as a team, we met expectations last year,” said Elliott. have 24 players entering preseason. “The older guys will have
“We wanted to get into the MAAC Tournament and we did that.” to help the young guys adjust because they know the expecta-
tions. With a short preseason, it’s important the team gels quickly.”
The Saints finished 9-8-1 overall and 7-2 in the Metro Atlantic
Athletic Conference last season. They were picked to finish Siena returns eight starters and 13 letterwinners from last year’s
eighth in the league. This year, there has been little more team. Notable returners are All-MAAC Second Team selections
respect for the team that defeated seven of nine league Steve Covino and Anthony Tagliaferri and MAAC All-Rookie
opponents a year ago. The Saints were picked sixth in this members David Bonzerato and Matt Turcio.
year’s preseason coaches’ poll and will look to repeat their
surprise season from 2008. “The goals for the season are similar every year,” said Elliott.
“We want to play well together, show consistency throughout,
and make the MAAC Tournament where anything can happen.”
Steve Covino
Forwards
Senior Bobby Di Filippo, Siena’s leading scorer from a year
ago, returns up top. He scored six goals and had 14 points in
2008. What’s impressive is that he did it all without starting a
single game.
Newcomers Matthew Kadoch and Sindre Ek will be looked at
to make an immediate impact in the offense. Kadoch is a target
player who can hold the ball and can get up in the air. Ek is
one of four internationals new to the Saints. He’s an explosive
player who can finish as well as create for others.
“We’re excited to have some added firepower this season,”
Elliott said. “I think we’ll be able to score more because we’ll
be able to keep the ball more.”
Midfield
The midfield returns key players in Covino, Tagliaferri, Turcio,
Sebastien Anzevui, Joe Tavernese and Geoff Narode.
Anzevui and Covino started every game at center mid last
season. Anzevui was third on the team with 10 points and
was always a threat on set pieces.
Tagliaferri was second on the team in scoring with 12 points,
10 of which he tallied in the season’s last five games. He’s a
dangerous attacking midfielder who’s capable of taking over a
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