Men’s Soccer Looking to Return to GNAC Tournament

The last time we saw the Raider Men's Soccer squad they were traveling to Standish, ME for a contest against eventual GNAC Champion St. Joseph's College. The Raiders needed a win or a tie to gain access to the eight team playoff and they did not reach that goal last season. This year's team returns six seniors, three juniors, a talented group of sophomores and a hungry freshman class. The Raiders are looking to get back to the 2010 GNAC Tournament.

Returning Players

Senior Sean Auclair (Ludlow, MA) is returning to the field after a serious knee injury wiped out his junior year. Auclair has worked hard and returned in top form. Sean will add leadership and game knowledge to the Raider defense. John Jarvis (Henniker, NH) is vying to be the starting goal keeper. Last season, Jarvis played in 16 games and started 7 with a 2.79 goals against average. John had the lone Raider shutout of the 2009 season. Brian Joaquim (Mont Vernon, NH) is also coming off an injury-plagued season. Joaquim has flair with the ball and tremendous accuracy with his passing. Brian will be looked upon as a scorer and as a player who can set up his teammates. Andrew McCarn (Laconia, NH) is a returning two year starter to the Raider defense. McCarn has a great work ethic, great desire, and plays well beyond his size. Andrew can contribute to the attack with inspired runs from the flank. Chris Nugent (Camberly, Surrey, England) leads the returners with 11 goals and 5 assists. Nugent is able to put pressure on opponents' defenses with his ball possession, shot selection, and ability to win balls in the air. Chris had 2 game winning goals last season and was a Third Team GNAC All-Conference selection. Gustavo Paiva (Nashua, NH) is Rivier's most versatile player. Paiva has played in the back, midfield and up front in his 3 seasons with the Raiders. Gustavo is unselfish in his play, only wanting the team to meet its goals

The Raiders have 3 juniors this season. Carl Ghannad (Salem, NH) returns after a year off. Ghannad came to the Raiders as a fit yet unskilled freshman. Carl has worked hard to gain skill, poise with the ball and gain a bit of knowledge of the game of soccer. Joe Granato (Arlington, MA) is a converted basketball player. Granato has the heart of a champion and the work ethic to grab hold of the game of soccer and become a dominant force. Joe will play up front and use his feet (not his hands) to dribble and beat defenses with his crafty moves. Cameron Williams (Lisbon, NH) is the stalwart backbone of the Raiders' defense. Williams will control and maneuver the Raider backfield. Cameron's rock solid defensive abilities will allow the Rivier goal keepers to shine.

Sophomore Mike Birecki (Andover, NH) is another integral part of the Rivier defense. Birecki and Williams are interchangeable in the center of the back line. Michael will also get forward into the attack. He had 3 assists last season. Patrick Bruenn (Meriden, CT) has come to camp in tremendous condition. Bruenn will contribute as an attacking midfielder. Patrick's shot and heading should lead to his first collegiate goal. Patrick will also spend time as a defender. Matt St. Peter (Colchester, VT) will be vying with John Jarvis for the starting goal keeper position. St. Peter started 2 of the 7 games he played in last season. Matt had 2.63 goals against average. David Durao (West Hartford, CT) is the final sophomore, his experience and maturity from last season along with his speed should help the Raiders up front.

The newcomers - Billy Fortier (Belmont, NH) will play in the Raider net and as a striker. Alex Lamparelli (Epping, NH) has the greatest potential to step in and help from day one. Kevin Murray (Manchester, NH) is the team's inspirational leader. Kevin has spent his formative years serving our country, spending 8 years in the military. Mark Sarro (Tewksbury, MA) looks to break into the Raiders' defense.