Hector Marinaro and the John Carroll men's soccer team were actively searching for a black cloud at various times last year. How else to explain the Blue Streaks losing both their most experienced forward and goalkeeper before three weeks had gone by in the 2009 season. 

“It took us a while to adjust, but we started playing better toward the end of the season,” said Marinaro. “I was proud of the fact that we dusted ourselves off and played our way back into the OAC playoffs. What we as coaches can hope for is the experienced gained by all those who were able to play for us in 2009 can work to our advantage in 2010.” 

In all, John Carroll can welcome back as many as 17 players who started at least one match last year. 

The returning “wounded” are Jeff Kosek, who scored three goals before his season ended in the first half of the second match of the year, and Matt DeMarchi, a two-time All-OAC netminder who was lost in match number five. 

Kosek will have more experience around him than a year ago. Junior Corey Rider (six goals, 17 pts) and sophomore Thor Eriksen (six assists, ten points) both proved solid up front, and the entire midfield returns virtually intact thanks to All-OAC performer Joe Ciacchi (three goals, nine points) and fellow seniors Kyle Buxman (four goals, ten points), Andrew Fatigati (team-high eight goals, 17 pts), and Michael Zumerling. 

Depth should not be an issue with the Blue Streaks. Super sub seniors Brendan McCreary and Samuel Stoll  have been through their share of tense affairs and can handle what comes their way. Up and comers such as junior Ben Vietmeier and sophomore Wycliffe Odhiambo give Marinaro plenty of options.

The defense should also be solid with two-time All-OAC honoree Jake Milli teaming up with sophomore Jerry Rubino and senior David Hickey – who was an OAC champion in outdoor track (400 hurdles) this past spring. Juniors Joey Grace and John Gabriele fortify this unit as well.

DeMarchi and fellow senior Mike Telzrow (0.92 GAA, 65 saves) give JCU veteran leadership at the keeper position.

"If we can stay healthy, I feel we can compete with anyone we face," said Marinaro. "We have both the talent and experience to make a deep run into the season."