Collin Parsons – In Motion Special
Bloody, but unbowed, Daytona State College Men’s Soccer 2018 season nevertheless was a disappointment due to the loss against Eastern Florida State College in the Region Eight Conference playoffs.
“It was heart breaking for us coaches and the team to see us come so far and finish our season losing in the final minutes of a rivalry game,” said Head Coach Bart Sasnett. “In 2019 we hope to look past this disappointing season and as a coach my expectations are always high with the caliber of players we have returning and arriving.”
Daytona State Men’s Soccer, although disappointed with its 2018 season did finish 12-3-3 and was ranked in the top 25 in the nation in December.
“Finishing the fall season ranked relatively high, although we didn’t make it to the national championship, makes me hopeful for next season,” Assistant coach Travis Rovillo said. “We have a core group of returners that gained some much needed experience from this past season and the coaching staff is expecting big things out of these players.”
With the 2019 season fast approaching, many of the returning players are working hard in the offseason to prepare for what is to come.
“I’m hoping to stay fit and improve my skills this summer,” said Forward Alex Fuentes. “I didn’t have as good of a season as I would have liked in 2018, so I’m hoping to improve this summer which will hopefully help the team make it to a national championship game.”
Defender Sergio Molina from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, is also hoping to add much needed experience next season to the Falcon back line. “I want to be a teammate that can be looked up to for advice throughout the season. Lots of the guys are returning and I just hope everyone is on board in winning a National Championship.”
Players are now back at the College for preseason training. Although the official 2019 schedule is not yet finalized, coaches are confident in both the preseason and regular season schedule, which will prove to be a test for new and veteran players.
“Playing big programs in our preseason schedule always is a test for both the players and staff,” said Coach Rovillo. “With a tough preseason schedule we hope to get some kinks worked out between who plays best in each position as well as get the new comers acclimated to our style of play.”
Daytona State Men’s Soccer will release the official schedule sometime this month. The opening game of the 2019 regular season for the Falcons will be held in late August. Further information on players and the 2019 season will be posted on the Daytona State Athletics Page.
Daytona State College competes in the Region Eight Conference and is classified in the National Junior Athletic Association. The NJCAA Division One Men’s Soccer Region Eight Conference is compiled of 4 teams, Broward College, ASA College Miami, Eastern Florida State College, and Daytona State College. The regular season is in the fall running from August to October, with post season playoffs being played in November and December.