The St. Thomas Aquinas men's soccer team added six newcomers to the roster for the 2010 season. STAC returns 15 players including their top two points leaders; Daniel Davren (5 goals, 7 assists) and Renan Lopes (6 goals, 2 assists).
The Spartans look to add some explosiveness to their front line behind the hot foot of Ryan Chevrier. Chevier, brother of Daniel Chevrier, who also plays for STAC, comes from a strong soccer family. Chevrier currently holds the most goals scored in a season within the region, notching over 60 goals in for SS Seward High School in Florida, N.Y. "We are looking for Ryan to come in and bolster the forward line, he is a very fast and athletic young man who knows how to score," commented Head Coach Graham Brown.
Along with Chevrier on the front line is Joe Connolly a transfer from Hudson Valley Communit College. "Connolly is very strong forward with a proven goal scoring record at his club team. His body strength will be a much needed asset to the Spartan attack," added Brown.
The Spartans add three experienced midfielders starting with Sean Reilly, a transfer from Bryant University in Rhode Island. The lefty has a thirteen year soccer pedigree under his belt, having played in several top world wide soccer tournaments including the US National Championships in V.A. along with winning the New York regionals in 2007. "I am looking for Sean to come in and compete for a starting position early," said Brown.
Freshman Robert Stevens comes to STAC from Arlington High School where he helped guide his high school team to a regional championship. Stevens, a very versatile midfielder, brings a strong wining background, as he also helped lead his club team to the NY State Cup. "Robert is an excellent all around player who will bring composure to the the Spartan midfield," remarked Brown.
Fellow freshman, Marcin Rebisz comes to STAC from Queen Peace High School in N.J. Rebisz is a strong, fast wide midfielder with a large number of years behind him on the local soccer scene. Brown expects Rebisz to come in and become a solid team player with his excellent work ethic.
Adding strength to the backfield will be David Cowpar, an international player from Limerick Ireland. Cowpar is a strong central defender and regular club team player with Limerick FC. "David will be a major component of the Spartan defense and will relish the chance to play in the United States," added Brown.
The Spartans finished the 2009 season with a record of 7-9-1 and will look to continue to improve upon that as they open the 2010 season on September 2nd at Bloomsburg.