The King’s College men’s soccer team is on the pursuit of a second straight Freedom Conference title.
The Monarchs had another spectacular regular season that saw them finish 13-5-1 and 5-2 in the conference which was good for the third seed in the upcoming Freedom Conference playoffs.
If anything, it’s the experience that separates King’s from the pack. The club returns three of the top players from last years’ title team in Niall Croke, Danny Hernandez, and Chris Nygren. These players combined with other key returnees in Brian Alifano, Brian Fenster, and key substitute in senior Korbin Keene bring the intangible quality of experience to the table.
Coach Mark Bassett, who is in his ninth season at the head of the program, says the mindset of his team differs from the mindset from last years’ playoff team.
“I would think our mindset is a little different,” Bassett said. “We are a little more reserved when going forward this year than last, but we still want to score goals and keep the pressure on the opposition.”
Coach Bassett added that his guys are excited for the playoffs.
“The guys hope to perform to their best. They are preparing well.” said Bassett.
The Monarchs travel to Dallas to square off with inner county rival and second-seeded Misericordia on Tuesday. The Cougars defeated the Monarchs 2-1 on October 4th in Dallas on a goal with 2:29 left in the game.
Coach Bassett said that the keys to defending their title are “defending with passion, being disciplined defensively, accomplishing what is expected on the field in each movement.”
Donny Hopkins covers King’s sports for WRKC Digital, follow him on Twitter @HopkinsDonny or email him at DonaldHopkins@Kings.edu