Fresh Faces, Same Goals for Men's Soccer

LE, N.Y. – With the fall season looming on the horizon, the LIU Post men's soccer team is set to take on a new look and build on past success in 2018. The Pioneers have built a tradition of excellence in Brookville, capturing three consecutive East Coast Conference titles and three NCAA regional championships in four seasons. While the goals may not have changed, the landscape of the team certainly has in recent months. Since the Pioneers advanced to the NCAA final eight in 2017, the Green and Gold has seen a revamped coaching staff which features Michael Mordocco taking over the reins of the program in February. While many key pieces return to the lineup in 2018, the Pioneers will have plenty of fresh faces on the pitch with 10 newcomers on the roster. "We are truly excited about the incoming class of players who will be joining a core of experienced players and will add value to the competitive environment," said Mordocco. "We believe we have identified each player to fit the LIU Post soccer program and plan to mold them around the current squad. These specific individuals will be the future of our program and will help maintain the mission of excelling both on and off the field." The 2018 newcomers feature wide-ranging backgrounds, with six countries represented and stiff competition at each position. Athanasios Coutroumpas | Midfielder | 5-6 | 155 | Waiblingen, Germany Background: Coutrompas is a transfer to LIU Post from the University of Hohenheim and is a 2014 graduate of Staufer Gymnasium. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Atha is a great addition to the program. We feel that his personality, tremendous character, and winning mentality will be valuable to the team. His energetic ability along with reading the game at a high level will be adapted quickly towards our style of play. Enio Di Filippo | Goalkeeper | 5-11 | 165 | Montverde, Fla. Background: Di Fillippo is a 2018 graduate of Montverde Academy where he helped lead the men's soccer program to a top-30 ranking nationally. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Enio comes to us from one of the best academics in the country. He is a long, athletic goalkeeper who will compete and contribute between the posts. We cannot wait to see what he can do in the East Coast Conference. Ignacio Gonzalez | Midfielder | 5-10 | 140 | Madrid, Spain Background: A transfer from Ohio Valley University and the ESIC Business & Marketing School. At Ohio Valley, he started 16 contests for the Fighting Scots and was named the conference's Freshman of the Year after scoring four goals and adding six assists. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Ignacio is a Spanish player that comes to our program as a transfer. He has an exceptional sense for the game and plays with composure and control in the final third. We feel that he will be able to contribute towards our program in all front six positions. His unselfish play and combinations with teammates can determine the success of our program. We are excited to work with "Nacho" and see him develop over his time at Post Paul Hein | Defender | 6-0 | 165 | Laasdorf, Germany Background: A 2018 graduate of Sportgymnasium Jena in Germany. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Paul will bring a strong physical presence towards our back line as well as a competitive mentality and work rate. The first thing that drew us to Paul was his defensive qualities and the bravery in the box. We are excited to bring his maturity and professional character to our program, which has high expectations. Luke Kasulke | Midfielder | 5-9 | 130 | Seaford, N.Y. Background: A 2018 graduate of Seaford High School where he was named All-State, All-Long Island, All-Region, All-County, and the Conference 111 Offensive Player of the Year during his tenure. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Luke is a perfect fit for this recruiting class. His tremendous work rate, attitude on the pitch and knowledge of the game will allow him to compete in the ECC right away. We are fortunate to have a player with his coachable aptitude and look forward to seeing his growth as a player and person. Anton Ocampo | Midfielder | 5-7 | 155 | Gothenburg, Sweden Background: A 2014 graduate of Änglagårdsskolan. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Anton is a dynamic attacking player with impeccable technique, decision making and ability to create chances will be valuable to the front of the team. We believe his adjustment to college soccer will be a smooth transition and we are confident he will be a vast contributor to the program's success. Kyle Parish | Defender | 6-0 | 170 | Toowoomba, Australia Background: A transfer from Feather River College where he played two seasons for the Golden Eagles. During his time at Feather River, Parish compiled 39 starts with 15 goals and five assists. Prior to college, he was a 2015 graduate of Toowoomba Grammer School. Coach Mordocco's Insight: A versatile athlete that can play multiple positions. His determination and mindset will prepare him to compete from day one and contribute towards the culture of the program. Kyle comes to Post with experience, which will help him transition into a highly completive program. Ryan Pearse | Midfielder | 6-2 | 170 | Seaford, N.Y. Background: High school teammates with Luke Kasulke, Pearse graduated from Seaford High School in 2018 where he played for years of soccer and ran track & field for four years. During his career, he was a two-time all-county honoree during his junior and senior season. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Ryan is a fierce competitor and I cannot wait to get him on campus to work with him. Ryan is committed to developing into a player and his athleticism can provide competition in several positions. He is a great addition to our program as both a player and a person. Matias Pesallaccia | Goalkeeper | 6-2 | 170 | Buenos Aires, Argentina Background: A transfer to LIU Post from Instituto Privado Cámara Argentina de Comercio y Servicios. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Matias is a great addition to our goalkeeper position. He will have to compete from day one to attain tenure from the rest of the group. He played at a high level in Argentina and will bring maturity and experience. We are extremely excited to have added someone with his experience and look forward to seeing his development over the next few years. Javier Rehberger Martin | Midfielder | 5-9 | 155 | Gijon, Spain Background: A 2017 graduate of Ies el Piles in Spain. Coach Mordocco's Insight: Javier is one of the best midfielders coming out of Spain due to his technical ability on the ball and his knowledge of the game. He will fit right in with our current players and style of play. He is a two-way midfielder who can dictate the tempo and link the game from back to front. He can cover ground and plug holes, which will help the back line. We are thrilled to have Javier in our program and exited to see what type of player he will be in the ECC. The Pioneers open the 2018 campaign at the Adelphi Alumni Tournament against the host Panthers on Thursday, August 30 at 7:30 pm.