August 4, 1998

Providence College Head Coach Brian Ainscough believes that this season's Friar men's soccer team has a strong core of juniors and seniors that will give the squad excellent leadership. In addition, last season's rookies gained significant experience and will help give the team depth in all positions. These factors, along with the return of forward Kevin Jones (Westford, Mass.) from a knee injury, give the Friars an excellent shot at making their first appearance in the BIG EAST Tournament since 1987.

In 1996, Kevin Jones had a strong freshman season for the Friars, registering four points (one goal, two assists) in 17 games and earning BIG EAST All-Rookie Team honors. However prior to his sophomore year, Jones suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the entire 1997 season. Jones returns to the Friar offense this season and will be the key to PC's scoring punch. Ainscough believes that Jones is one of the top forwards in the league. Another key element of PC's offensive attack this season will be the play of sophomore forward Andrew Bussman (Guilford, Conn.). Like Jones, Bussman was injured last season and missed 14 of the team's 18 games. Bussman brings tremendous speed and skill to the field for the Friars. If he plays to his potential, he could make an impact this season. Rounding out the team's forwards are senior Gary Corrigan (Salisbury, Md.) and freshman Thomas Blesso (Billerica, Mass.). Corrigan, who always gives a complete effort, will vie for a starting spot this season. He has improved continuously in his three years at PC. Blesso, who will be one of the fastest players on the team, will be an asset on offense. Last season, he recorded 62 points (25 goals, 12 assists) for Billerica High School and earned Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic accolades.

At midfield, the Friars will be led by juniors Andrew McConville (Madison, Conn.) and Michael Eisenhut (Hanover, Mass.). McConville is one of the top midfielders in the BIG EAST. He is a very creative player that will be expected to increase his goal scoring. Last season, McConville finished second on the team in goals with four. Eisenhut will move to the midfield position this season. Despite playing with an injury for most of the 1997 season, he finished second on the squad in scoring with nine points (three goals, three assists). Eisenhut will team with McConville and play central midfield. Senior Bobby Brown (Westtown, N.Y.) returns for his final season at midfield for PC. Brown is a very competitive player that has the ability to play any position. In 1997, he displayed offensive potential by recording a career high seven points (two goals, three assists). Sophomore Dane Smith (Wyoming, R.I.), junior Chris Holterhoff (Wayne, N.J.) and senior Tim Gray (Sherborn, Mass.) will all add depth to the midfield corps. Smith gained significant playing time as a freshman. With continual improvement he will be an impact player for the Friars. Smith contributed with one goal and two assists last season in 16 games. Holterhoff started 15 of the 17 games he played last season. In his two seasons with the Friars, he has gained significant experience which should be useful in 1998. The lone newcomer to the Friar midfield is Russell Corner (Abington, Mass.). He comes to Providence after spending four years at Boston College High School. Corner is a talented player with the ability to help the offense and could start on the right side of the midfield.

Last season, the young Friar defense allowed an average of 2.68 goals per game. In 1998, the defense promises to be one of the team's strengths. Sophomore John Costigan (Dublin, Ireland) will serve as one of the team's leaders on defense. He had a strong rookie year and should continue to improve as he becomes more accustomed to U.S. college soccer. Seniors Jim Riccobono (Bay Shore, N.Y.) and Keith Kostrzewski (Orchard Park, N.Y.) will provide experience in the Friar backfield. Riccobono will battle for a starting at left fullback. In three seasons with the Friars, he has played in 40 games. Junior Brian Evans (N. Branford, Conn.) and sophomores Keith Dorsey (Cranston, R.I.), Matt O'Toole (Norwell, Mass.) and T.J. Casey (Milford, Conn.) are PC's other returning defenders. Last season was Evans' first year with the team. Although he missed his freshman season, Evans saw action in 12 games as a sophomore and helped stabilize the defense. Dorsey gained significant experience as a freshman, playing in 15 games. He will be expected to help the defense again this season. O'Toole had an excellent year in 1997. He joined the team as a forward, but moved to defense. O'Toole started 12 of the 13 games he played last season and tallied two goals. Casey played well during the spring season. He will add depth to the midfield unit. Freshman Kempes Corbally (Dublin, Ireland) is a very tough and aggressive defender who will be expected to help solidify the defense. Corbally will team with fellow countryman Costigan to form a strong duo on defense for the Friars.

Once again in goal, senior Dan Pires (Ludlow, Mass.) will backstop the Friars. Entering his fourth season as the starting goalkeeper, Pires will serve as the team captain. A 1996 Second-Team All-BIG EAST selection, Pires has become one of the top netminders in New England. His leadership will be essential to the team's success. Senior Chris Tate (Weymouth, Mass.), who joined the team as a walk-on last season, will serve as the backup goalkeeper. Tate had an excellent spring season and proved he can play if needed.

The Providence College men's soccer team will feature a balanced squad this season with talented players returning to all positions. The team will be led by a strong core of juniors and seniors. In addition, the newcomers and several players returning from injuries should help strengthen the team. The team appears ready to challenge for its first appearance in the BIG EAST Tournament in several years.