JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn - The conclusion of the three part series previewing the 2016 Carson-Newman men's soccer team will look at the forwards who are on the roster for the new season. Senior Marius Staalby was kind enough to take some time to talk on the subject.
The forward position returns a senior, a sophomore and a redshirt freshman with one new addition. This group helped the Eagles top the South Atlantic Conference with 52 goals in 2015.
"It's tough to duplicate a season like that, but fortunately we get a lot of the boys back," said Staalby. "I think we look strong going forward again."
Staalby is the veteran leader at this spot. He was named second team All-SAC at the end of 2015 after playing in 20 games, starting 18 and scoring 8 goals, which tied him for fourth best in the conference. He also added two assists and his 18 points were the third most on the team. His season included a two goal performance against Newberry on 9/19, the first two goal game of his career.
"Hopefully, I'll be able to impact the squad on and off the field," he said. "I feel like that is a part of what I'm here to do, especially as a captain."
Bruno Andrade's(Sao Paulo, Brazil) initial college campaign saw him garner a spot on the All-SAC third team and his three goals and five assists made him one of six players on the squad in double figures in points. His season included recording a goal and an assist in his second game against Belmont Abbey on 9/9 and a two assist performance on 9/19 against Newberry.
After redshirting in 2015, Ashley Kelynack(High Wycombe, England) is hoping to see his first action in Orange and Blue this year. Collin Hensel will also be trying to earn playing time. Hensel is a native of Spring Hill, TN and a former Summit High School soccer player. After totaling 12 goals and 11 assists as a junior, Hensel won recognition as a 2015 District 11-AAA All-District selection.
"We've really pushed the team this year," Staalby said. "That's already been evident in our fitness tests. I think we're in the best shape we've ever been in, at least since I've been here."
The Eagles will start off the 2016 season on September 3rd when they host Lees-McRae at 7:30pm at McCown Field.
-CN-
