In head coach Kyle Clancy's first year at the helm of the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer program the Hawks finished a solid 8-4-7 overall. But expectations are higher, and SUNY New Paltz is prepared to build toward a deep playoff run in 2017.

"[A State University of New York Athletic Conference championship] is always going to be our goal," Clancy said. "As a program we're trying to establish a more consistently winning program, just from year to year and keep that standard pretty high."
Coming off its first SUNYAC appearance since 2012 and ending the season ranked eighth overall in the NCAA East region, the Hawks have loftier expectations than year's past.

"I would say last year our goals would be to just make the playoffs, but we're a different team this year," said senior midfielder Ben Zilka. "We're looking beyond the playoffs. I think playoffs is more than a reachable goal for us. We're hoping for a top-3 finish and make it to the NCAA tournament, either winning SUNYAC's or an out-large bid."

Although SUNY New Paltz graduated its top two point leaders from last season, it brings back its core defensive unit along with some promising newcomers.

Zilka, who finished with two goals and an assist last season will lead the Hawks in the midfield, while sophomore Luke Dole returns up top. He will try and surpass his productive numbers from last season, where he sat third on the team in points after tallying three goals and three assists.

"Everyone that is returning is stepping up," Zilka said. "I know there are going to be breakout seasons between a lot of guys. But some in particular, James Hennessy, Coltan [Goodwine], I know they are going to help us out going forward."

The Hawks touted one of the best defenses in the conference in 2016, allowing just 13 goals through 19 games.

Clancy preaches the importance of sound, organized defense, whether 1-v-1 or in transition, his team will continue to defend for the full 90 minutes and not allow opponents easy chances on net.

"They would tell you that is the biggest thing I focus on," Clancy said. "I have no doubts based on what I've seen so far this preseason that we are going to have a really strong defensive unit. I am seeing the work they are putting in and practices are definitely more intense. If they can create that type of environment that is just going to help us out."

A staple in the back last year was junior defender Sebastian Gordon-Somers-Archer, who will again lead a stingy group that is projected to once again be tops in the league.

However, according to the Kew-Forest School alum, a vital part of his team's success this season is taking advantage of more opportunities on the offensive end.

"Last season we had a very strong defense… I think this season we need to score more goals, create more chances," Gordon-Somers-Archer said. "I know a lot of guys on the team are going to step up so that will help us accomplish our goal in scoring more."

SUNY New Paltz's attack struggled in 2016, only totaling 23 goals and averaging less than a goal per game. Clancy agreed his team needs to take advantage of more of their opportunities this season, which he started to see more of this past spring.

"I know we are going to be strong defensively, but to take that next step forward we just have to create more chances," he said. "We have to get a bit better in our ability to cross in a better ball, make better runs in the box… and executing a little bit better in the final third. That was an area we lacked last fall that I thought we improved in the spring. If all goes well I think that will help us take that next step forward."

Clancy saw improvements from all of his returners over the offseason and he believes the continuity from that group, combined with valuable additions can push the Hawks to a top seed when conference playoffs nears.

"Even though we lost a few good players, watching them this past spring the guys that were freshmen, sophomore and juniors, there was tremendous growth," he said. "I knew coming back we had a really strong group and then with the addition of some of the first year guys… I do feel like they are all going to contribute at some point throughout the year and they will definitely have an impact to help us win games."

According to the SUNYAC preseason poll coaches voted the Hawks to finish fifth, earning 52 points behind Plattsburgh (56), Buffalo State (73) – who SUNY New Paltz lost to in the first round of SUNYAC's last season – Cortland (89) and Oneonta (97).

Regardless of where the coaches have the Hawks ranked, their goals remain high.

"Playoffs are certainly what we're shooting for every year and we do expect if we do the work, if we're healthy, building the team as we expect to build it that a championship is attainable," Clancy added. "I like that ambition from them... I don't think that has always been there and I want them to be ambitious and shoot for bigger things."

SUNY New Paltz begins its season Sept. 1 on the road against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It then travels to Union College on Sept. 2 and SUNY Purchase Sept. 5 before its first home match against SUNY Cobleskill on Sept. 9.

To see the SUNYAC men's soccer preseason poll press release, CLICK HERE.