ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College men's lacrosse team is ready to continue making strides in 2020 when the season kicks off on Friday, February 28, with a tilt against SUNY New Paltz.

Under the direction of second-year head coach Brendan Gorman, the Soaring Eagles boast a veteran-laden squad that features 13 returners to continue to implement the new standards for the program. Sophomore attacker Sam Shaw '22 highlights the returners after a stellar rookie campaign and is joined by eight seniors to lead the charge for the Purple and Gold. With a schedule that features plenty of action in the Southern Tier, Elmira is set up to take a significant step forward this season.

"Our goal is to better than we were the day before," Gorman stated. "We're worried more about the process of becoming a better team, creating the right culture and having an identity. The identity we want to have is that we are going to work hard for 60 minutes and that other teams are going to have to work hard against us. The scores will figure themselves out eventually."

Attack
The Purple and Gold will once again lean on sophomore Sam Shaw '22 to lead the line. A talented goal-scorer, Shaw led Elmira in points (25) and goals (24) in his debut season. The Portland, Maine, native was the first rookie to break the 20-goal plateau since 2014 and took home the inaugural Soaring Eagle Rookie of the Year award as a result. Shaw's presence in front of the cage will be critical to EC's success as he will be leaned on to provide a steady stream of goals.

"Sam is going to draw a lot more attention this year, so it's going to be tougher on him," Gorman said. "With that in mind, we have more talent around him. He's a guy that we may slot into the midfield from time to time, which is his more natural position. With his skill and his shot, we want him on the field as much as possible."

Joining Shaw will be senior David Keisler '20. Keisler's experience will prove invaluable as he is the lone senior among Elmira's attacking options. Gorman expects Keisler to act as a calming presence down-low and organize EC's offensive structure. An excellent passer, Keisler was the Purple and Gold's main setup man last season with a team-best five assists. Look for the Clifton Park, New York, native to continue his rapport with Shaw and form a deadly one-two punch for the Soaring Eagles.

Rounding out Elmira's options up front are Cameron Lambert '21 and Sam Crary '23. The duo adds an important dose of athleticism and will supply much-needed depth for Gorman to deploy.

"Sam (Crary) will really help our offensive unit from the jump," said Gorman. "He's tall, athletic, has good skill and has a really nice shot. He'll float between midfield and attack and he'll help us score goals, which is huge."

Midfield
EC's options in the midfield will be headlined by the duo of James Mayer '20 and Isaac Gottheil '22. Both showcased a penchant for two-way play last season, as Mayer potted 15 goals and added two assists, while Gottheil chipped in with three goals and four assists. Mayer brings a physical dynamic to the midfield and was also the team's faceoff specialist last season. Gottheil has an endless motor that serves Gorman well as a full-field chess piece. EC's ability to control the flow of the game will lean heavily on this pair and their ball-winning skills.

"Isaac is getting really comfortable playing in the midfield," Gorman added. "His shot has really come around after putting in work during the offseason and he's really come into his own as an offensive player. James' athleticism has always stood out, but his understanding of the game has really grown. I think James is going to have an even better season than last year."

Lincoln Hall '21 John Broyles '20, Dakota Jackson '22, and Spencer MacLean '20 make up the rest of Elmira's returners in the midfield. Broyles brings serious speed to the turf and flashed some offensive potential last season with two goals and two assists. Once the EC men's hockey season draws to a close, MacLean will add a heavy-handed shot and physical presence to the midfield. Hall and Jackson provided valuable minutes off of the bench last season and will look to continue to develop and add depth to Gorman's rotation.

Juniors Ravi Chauma '21 and Rafael Joseph '21 are two newcomers to EC's midfield. While both are relatively new to the lacrosse turf, Gorman has been impressed by the duo's work ethic and natural ability. Chauma has the wheels to run with anyone on the field, while Joseph's 5-foot-11 frame and gym rat mentality slot nicely into the field and the team's locker room. Look for the pair to make an impact off the bench as the season wears on.

Defense
The Soaring Eagles defensive gameplan will hinge on the rangy Cam Brickey '20. The 6-foot, 1-inch talent was EC's defensive anchor last season and will once again harass opponents' best attacking options. A USILA Division III Team of the Week honoree last season, Brickey led the team with 79 ground balls and 43 caused turnovers. With another offseason of training under Gorman, Brickey should continue to be one of the top defenders in the Empire 8 Conference.

"It's a feather in our cap and a testament to Cam that he chose to come back and just really shows how much he loves the program and the team," Gorman said. "Talent –wise, he's gifted, he's got quick hands and just has a real nose for the ball. We've added some depth on the defensive side, so we'll be able to play him in his more natural position as a long-stick midfielder. But when matchups dictate, we can shift him all-around the field to help us."

Joining Brickey in Elmira's d-corps is classmate Austin Spiridilozzi '20. A hard-worker with a nose for the ball, Spiridilozzi caused 36 turnovers last season and will once again act as Brickey's main running-mate in the back for the Purple and Gold. Dual–sport athlete Spencer Carter '20 will add a dose of grit and athleticism to Gorman's options on defense once the EC men's ice hockey season wraps up.

Rounding out EC's defensive options are a pair of freshmen: Ryan Durkee '23 and Jeffrey Zero '23. Durkee has flashed potential throughout practice and has been developing well as he gets up to speed with the college game. The rookie will also benefit from learning under Brickey and Spiridilozzi. Zero is another dual-sport athlete for Gorman to deploy and his lacrosse background should serve him well to hit the ground running once he joins the team. 

Goalkeeper
Elmira's cage is once again in safe hands with the return of third-year talent Jacob Mattice '21. The Canton, New York, native led the E8 last season with a 15.73 saves-per-game average and totaled a whopping 236 saves. Mattice's shot-stopping ability will be key for EC against some of the high-powered opposition the Soaring Eagles will face both in the conference and out of the conference. Gorman is confident in his goalkeeper and expects another stellar season between the pipes from Mattice.

"Jake has gotten a lot of reps the last couple of years," Gorman said. "He's a good, quick goalie, and is athletic in the cage. He's developing as a better leader and we're hoping to see that as the season goes on with him staying calm and keeping the defense calm. We're excited to have him back and continue to see him grow."

Backing up Mattice will be utility man Matt Marchal '20. Marchal can play in goal, the midfield, or in attack and should play a role off of the bench once again for EC. The Greenfield Park, Quebec, native made three appearances in goal last season and chipped in with a goal and an assist on the offensive end, offering Gorman further options as the grind of the season rolls on.

Season Opener
The 2020 campaign begins for the Soaring Eagles on Friday, February 28, when they trek towards the Hudson Valley for a tilt against SUNY New Paltz. It's an intriguing matchup for the Purple and Gold, as the Hawks are embarking on their inaugural season.

As a completely new opponent, the Purple and Gold will have an interesting challenge in their first contest, as they look to get their feet under them earlier in the season. The Hawks will be looking to make a statement in their first-ever game, and EC will need to be ready to exert its will over the startup.