Lynch works to replace six holes in roster

By Rai Masuda

While the men’s soccer season ended for the players against North Florida, head coach John Lynch remains hard at work trying to fill the void left by his six departing seniors.

The impact will be felt throughout the lineup as the team loses forwards Jorgen Rosten and Gerson Penza, in addition to Joey Riley, Andres Jaramillo, A.J. Martin, and goalkeeper Jordan Holtz. Lynch has been watching film of potential prospects as well as talking with his former players and coaches who at times can give him the heads up on a player.

While the transition to the NCAA has helped boost Flagler’s ability to recruit, it has also placed more limits on the amount of access coaches have to targeted players.

“We have a lot more limitations in terms of how many phone calls or visits we can make,” explained Lynch. Flagler is in the process of receiving verbal commitments from four players, Swedish center/forward Marcus Come highlights a class that also includes two players from the Class 4A Florida state semi-finalist Merritt Island team.

The Saints will need added depth because they are facing 13 road games next season compared to only 6 at home.

“We have to cover all the Division II teams that we have to play, and in our first year they are telling us to come to them,” Lynch said. The tough schedule will feature only two familiar Florida Sun Conference rivals, Embry Riddle and Savannah College of Art and Design.