2008
season outlook
2007 was Nipissing Men's soccer team most successful
campaign in it' s short history. Regrettably, a number of
key veteran players have been lost to graduation and, as
such, there are a number of positions that will need filled.
There are a large number of first year players and expectations
are that these prospects step in and contribute and fulfill
prominent roles within the squad. These new faces will need
to come into the fold and will need to play a large role
in aiding our development in this re building year and beyond
into the future.
The Nipissing Men s Soccer squad will kick off their preseason
training camp on Sunday August 17 with intense training and
exhibition matches on August 22 and 23 at Brock and McMaster
Universities.
First year Head Coach Tony D'Agostino
indicates " Our
biggest challenge of course will be to replace key veterans
lost to graduation who have been an integral part of this
squad for the past 4 and in some cases 5 years. We must be
consistent with our play. Team fitness will be a top priority.
Tactically, the players will know what to do in terms of
formations."
D'Agostino goes on to add " I consider myself to be
a demanding coach and have high expectations in terms of
effort, attitude and concentration. In putting players in
an intensely competitive and challenging environment, they
will learn to push themselves to reach their potential ".
The coaching staff has added Robert Pavone as an assistant
coach alongside assistant coach Peter Bitonti. D'Agostino
went to add
" I am delighted to have Robert
Pavone added to our staff alongside myself and Peter as
we start to prepare for
the upcoming season. Robert brings a lot of experience with
him in all aspects of the game. We are all committed in the
continued process of making this program successful in the
OUA.
D'Agostino looks at the postseason as a realistic possibility
this season and looks forward to the start of training camp.
The Lakers begin their 2008 season on September 2 at noon
when they face their Northern Ontario rival Laurentian University
in Sudbury.
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