McHenry, MD – Garrett College’s second-year men’s soccer program looks to build on an inaugural season in which the Lakers earned a spot in the NJCAA Division II Region 20 playoffs.
“We’re infinitely better heading into this second season,” said GC head coach Jonathan Price. “The talent level has probably doubled. This year, we have 19 players that can start for us.”
Price brings back five local players, including four former Southern stars – midfielders Kade Savage and Ben Lohr, and defenders Nathaniel Argrabrite and JM Holland – and former Northern goalkeeper Wyatt Hull. Spanish sophomore Lucas Alonso, who had a hat trick in GC’s double-overtime playoff loss to Potomac State, will lead an offense that also includes returner Darius Hamilton.
English midfielder Max Hinchey is the eighth returner from last year’s squad.
“We have a lot of returning experience across the board,” noted Price. “We had 20 freshmen last year. The mix of veterans and new guys in Year 2 is very pleasing.”
Two local freshmen – midfielder Chris Manherz (Allegany High) and goalkeeper Brady Spotts (Southern Garrett High) – highlight the group of 10 new additions to the program.
Price said the Lakers, who were 5-6 in NJCAA Division II Region 20 last season and 5-10 overall, arrived ahead of schedule last season by making the region playoffs.
“I think any first-year team would take five wins, and to go 5-6 in the division in the first year was very exciting,” said Price.
Tuesday’s 3 p.m. home opener against Howard Community College – ranked 11th in the nation in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll – will be a great early test for the Lakers.
“This is a really good measuring stick to know where we are and what we have to do to be ready for the playoffs in a month-and-a-half,” Price said of the season-opener.
