Fitchburg State Looking To Reach “212” in 2012

Over his two years at Fitchburg State University, head coach Werner Thissen has not experienced as strong of a pre-season camp as he has in 2012. The Falcons, who posted a 3-13-1 mark a year ago (1-6 MASCAC) are looking to turn heads in the conference and erase its 8th place pick in the MASCAC Pre-Season Coaches poll.

Throughout the preseason, Fitchburg State has focused on being 212, a slogan developed by the coaching staff focusing on the importance of every detail. Thissen explains, “This preseason, our team chemistry began to click within days. We have focused on being ‘212.’ At 212 degrees, water boils; steam is created and can operate an engine. At 211 degrees, nothing happens. That one degree changes everything.”

The Falcons have used that motto towards their everyday training, focusing on accomplishing one little goal per day en route to the end goal: a MASCAC playoff berth. Fitchburg State has also focused on its conditioning, technical aspects, tactical aspects and set plays, while trying to integrate its freshman players immediately.

“We are in a very good position this season,” said Thissen. “ We have ten returners and 12 newcomers, all of who have come into preseason in solid shape and with the correct attitude and determination.”

This year, Fitchburg State adds many new faces to its lineup, but will rely heavily on its veteran leadership to guide the team into the playoffs. With six teams now advancing to the MASCAC playoffs, the post-season berth in over ten years could be on the horizon for the Falcons.

Leading the way upfront for the Falcons will be senior George Sullivan (Milton, Mass./Milton) and junior Carmen Bordonaro (Fitchburg, Mass./Fitchburg). Bordonaro returns as the Falcons leading scoring with four points last season, while Sullivan added an assist despite being limited due to injury. In addition, depending on their formation, sophomore Calvin La Rose (Rutland, Mass./Bay Path) may also see sometime upfront, while freshman Dany Belanger (Haverhill, Mass./Whittier Tech) looks to impact the squad in his rookie campaign.

In the attacking midfield, senior Jason Pereira (Wilmington, Mass./Wilmington), freshman Tom Sorrentino (West Haven, Conn./Home School) and Matheus Neves (Everett, Mass./Everett) will spark the Falcons, while newcomers Joshua Hofer (Manchester, Mass./Manchester Memorial), Issa Ford (Springfield, Mass./Springfield Central) and Stephen Luna (Durham, N.H./Oyster River) all vie for time with a strong pre-season effort. Sophomore Brett Smith (North Andover, Mass./North Andover) and freshman Gabriel Moya (Everett, Mass./Everett) will lock down the Falcons holding midfield, while veteran James David (Haverhill, Mass./Haverhill) could also see some time on the right side.

On the backline, captain Colin Shea (Hanover, Mass./Hanover) and freshman Francisco Lemus (Everett, Mass./Everett) will anchor the defense from the center back position, while freshman Zachary Tracy (Richmond, R.I./Chariho Regional) and junior Kenneth Kelley (Marstons Mills, Mass./Barnstable) are in line to be the starting fullbacks. LaRose and Smith also provide Fitchburg State with some versatility, being able to alternate between the backfield and midfield. Freshman Joseph Merchant (Rutland, Mass./Wachusett Regional) is expected to make a huge impact to the defense once returning from injury.

In net, veteran keepers Aidan Hanratty (East Bridgewater, Mass./East Bridgewater) and Evan DeAmicis (Townsend, Mass./North Middlesex) have competed all pre-season long for the starting keeper job. Last season, Hanratty earned a majority of the starts, posting 98 saves and a 2.31 GAA in the absence of DeAmicis, who suffered a season-ending injury. Junior Kurtis Burke (Grafton, Mass./Grafton) is also expected to see some action between the pipes for the Falcons.

Fitchburg State opens the 2012 season with a very strong stretch, including the Roger Williams Turfer Classic, September 1st and 2nd. Following the tournament, the Falcon boasts a strong non-conference schedule with tilts vs. Curry, Becker and UMass Boston, before opening conference play on September 15th vs. Bridgewater State.

“Our goal for this season is to win the game we should win, and play competitive in the others,” said Thissen. “Our conference is very strong, but if we be 212 day in and day out, we should be in the hunt for the MASCAC Tournament.”