New talent expected to fortify mens soccer

By Mari Pothier | mpothier@flagler.edu
Photos by Phil Sunkel

Head Coach John Lynch is honored that his team has been chosen to win the Peach Belt Conference, but knows they have a lot of work ahead.

“I think it is a mark of the success we had last year, yet it means absolutely nothing for this year,” Lynch said.

According to Lynch the team is hard at work.

“I expect us to be in the top three,” he said. “We really want to be number one.”

Midfielder Conor Killeen, a senior, said the team works hard year-round to stay fit.

“We are expected to come into preseason fit, so we get a lot of time to work,” Killeen said.

The Saints have 20 returning players and nine new players.

“I am really pleased with all of them,” Lynch said about the new players.

Killeen said Lynch brought in new players that will be an asset to the team.

“There’s a good chemistry between all the players,” Killeen said. “Everyone gets along.”

Killeen said the team acted more like a group of individuals than a cohesive unit during his freshman year. That has changed though for the better, especially this season, according to Killeen.

Lynch explained that the Peach Belt Conference has a multitude of talented teams. He believes Clayton State, Lander, Montevallo, Francis Marion and North Georgia will be the Saints’ most challenging matches this season.

Both Lynch and Killeen are looking forward to their match up against Lander. They were the only team in their conference the Saints did not beat last season.

“We have got some really tough road trips, but I think I have a good group,” Lynch said.

Lynch said the team’s greatest strength will be midfield with its five returning starters: Killeen, Joseph Toby, Johan Bergfeld, Will Frandsen and Pol Berenquer.

“They had a great year last year,” Lynch said.

According to Killeen, Lynch is an excellent coach who has turned the team around.

“I think I speak for all the players, when I say it is great to have him as a coach,” Killeen said.