SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Seniors Alex Dos Santos (Ludlow, MA) and Justin Martins (Ludlow, MA), and junior Corey Howard (Hopedale, MA) will serve as captains of the 2010 Western New England College men’s soccer team, coach Erin Sullivan announced Wednesday (July 21). All three players are midfielders.
The trio played key roles in helping the Golden Bears finish with a 16-5-4 record in 2009. The team also captured both The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) regular season and tournament titles for the third consecutive year, and earned a sixth straight berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Dos Santos, a Business Marketing major, is coming off of one of the best individual seasons in program history. A returning captain, he became the program’s third National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III All-American in the past four years.
Dos Santos also was voted to both the All-TCCC and NSCAA Division All-New England First Teams, and was named the Western New England College Coca-Cola Male Athlete-of-the-Year.
Despite missing six games due to injury, he started 18 games and notched three goals, but it was his leadership and imposing physical presence that was most notable in the Golden Bears’ post season run.
“Alex is the consummate field general and play maker and among the most dedicated soccer players I have ever coached,” said Sullivan. “His composure, creativity, and veteran presence guide our team no matter what the scenario.”
Martins is the top returning scorer on the team after finishing second a year ago with 18 points (eight goals and two assists).
A Communication major, Martins was named to both the 2009 All-TCCC and NSCAA All-New England Teams. He is a three-year starter who has compiled 42 career points (16 goals, 10 assists). Martins also is one of the team’s top flank targets and takes many of the Golden Bears’ free kicks.
“Justin is a dynamic midfielder who brings tremendous energy to our team both on and off the field. He is one of our offensive catalysts scoring crucial goals and creating numerous others through his intelligent running off the ball and quick, precise passing,” Sullivan stated.
Howard, a two-year starter, earns the rank of captain following a stellar sophomore season. One of the most versatile players in the region, his highlight-reel goal against Wentworth in the 2009 conference championship match helped propel the Golden Bears to the national tournament.
“Corey established himself as a tremendous competitor early in his freshman season and has not looked back,” noted Sullivan. “He possesses an elite fitness level and his warrior mentality has helped him emerge into a formidable two-way player.”
Despite losing nine seniors (and six starters) to graduation, the Golden Bears return more than 20 players and have one of their best recruiting classes in recent history.
Sullivan is optimistic about the upcoming season given the strength of leadership.
“From day one, our captains have exhibited the highest levels of character, work ethic, and vocal leadership,” he commented. “They continually drive themselves and their teammates to pursue new levels of achievement. They are the perfect trio to help develop the type of mentality and chemistry that winning teams need.”
Western New England College will open its campaign for the second straight season with a match against Westfield State College on September 1 in Westfield, Massachusetts.
The Golden Bears will then meet host Ramapo and Medgar Evers (NY) September 4-5 in the Presidents’ Cup Tournament in New Jersey.