Repton Abrahams (left) and Justin Martin
(Canton, N.Y.)- One era has come to an end and another begun for the SUNY Canton men’s soccer program as they welcome Mark Howlett as just the third coach in the history of the program.
Howlett replaced Al Benda this summer who had roamed the sidelines for 13 years as head coach of the men’s team racking up 107 wins. Benda, who also coached the women’s team on two separate occasions, decided to step down in the spring to pursue other endeavors and spend more time with his family.
Howlett, who spent the past three years as an assistant coach at Nazareth College, was hired late in the summer and despite not having a chance to recruit any players is optimistic about the season.
“The attitudes of the players have been terrific,” said Howlett. “They have done what I’ve asked without complaint and we’ve tried to do a lot of things as a team and they have really supported each other. I’ve been happy that they are adapting to my style of coaching and play.”
The Roos advanced to the Sunrise Conference tournament for the third straight year in 2009 and have 13 returning players on offense and defense.
The two main catalysts on offense will be senior forward and midfielder Repton Abrahams (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and sophomore forward Chris Cumella (Webster, N.Y.). Abrahams has been a three-time all-Sunrise Conference selection and Cumella was the 2009 Sunrise Conference Rookie of the Year.
Cumella led the squad in goals (9) and total points (22) and generated a team-high 40 shots. Abrahams rotated between the front line and the back line and contributed two goals and six assists for 10 points and was second on the team with 38 shots.
“We need to have these two on the ball as much as possible,” said Howlett. “Chris gives us a calming influence and has a real eye for the goal. He can attack and is real strong and physical up front. Repton has that special ability as a player and has a lot of natural talent. He will be a big part of the team offensively.”
Several other key players on offense include junior midfielder Moubarak Agoro (Bronx, N.Y.), sophomore midfielders James St. Vrestril (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Loocken Vixama (Brooklyn, N.Y.), sophomore midfielder James Catillaz (Gansevoort, N.Y.), and freshman midfielder Colby Young (Lisbon, N.Y.).
Agoro had six goals as a sophomore and Catillaz had six goals and two assists for 14 points. Vixama had one assist and St. Vrestril is still looking for his first collegiate point.
Howlett feels this year’s team is very strong on the defensive side of the ball as they have three returning defenders who helped hold opponents to 2.2 goals per game including senior Justin Martin (Lowville, N.Y.) and sophomores Dennis Frost (Bridgetown, Nova Scotia) and Josh Harvey (Weavertown, N.Y.). Frost (2 goals – 1 assist) and Harvey (1 goal-3 assists) played in all 18 games as outside backs and Martin started in 16 games as a junior, missing two games with an injury.
“Dennis will be the heart of our defense,” said Howlett. “He is a strong leader, a tough defender and his organizational skills will be keys to guiding the defense. Justin and Josh are both very skilled and tough on the outside and know how to defend at this level.”
Freshman Nick Reddick (Alexandria Bay, N.Y.), a big, strong defender will join the defensive corps and gain more playing time as he gains experience.
Junior Homero Flores (Mexico) will be the primary goalie for the Roos this year. Flores, who played in one game last year making three saves, has worked extremely hard to earn his starting position. According to Howlett, Flores will be a calming influence on the back line and someone that the rest of the team can look two for leadership.
“I have asked a lot of the players this year but if they keep up their positive attitudes we can have a successful year, be competitive and compete with some of the top teams in our conference, “ said Howlett.