RIVERDALE, N.Y. - After a disappointing 2009 campaign, the Manhattan College men's soccer team has set their sights to a fresh start in 2010.
The Jaspers begin their 42nd season with 11 returning letterwinners and a strong nine-member recruiting class under first-year head coach Ashley Hammond.
Picked to finish 10th in the annual MAAC Preseason Poll as voted by the 10 conference coaches, the green and white have their work cut out for them but are ready for the challenge.
"We are excited by what we have seen so far. They are learning, gaining experience and will be able to compete technically with anyone on the field," assistant coach Jorden Scott said.
Defending MAAC Champion, Loyola University, was selected to finish first in the conference after receiving 96 points.
Manhattan College opens the season at home on Sept. 1 against Fairleigh Dickinson. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Gaelic Park.
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2010 MAAC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll
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2010 MAAC Men's Soccer Preseason All-MAAC Team
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1.
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Loyola
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96
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Michael O'Keefe
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Goalkeeper
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Fairfield
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2.
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Fairfield
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81
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Jack Cleverley
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Back
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Fairfield
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Iona
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81
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Roberto Hernandez-Raaen
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Back
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Iona
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4.
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Niagara
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64
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Gerwyn Jones
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Back
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Loyola
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5.
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Marist
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55
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Lebogang Pila
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Back
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Saint Peter's
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6.
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Siena
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54
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Matthew Uy
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Midfield
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Fairfield
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7.
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Saint Peter's
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45
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Mario Rios
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Midfield
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Iona
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8.
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Canisius
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33
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Levi Tesch
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Midfield
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Niagara
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9.
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Rider
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25
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Phil Bannister
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Forward
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Loyola
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10.
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Manhattan
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18
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Krystian Witkowski
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Forward
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Marist
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Emery Welshman
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Forward
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Siena
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2010 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year: Phil Bannister, Loyola
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