Photo: Courtesy of La Salle University Athletics

Head coach: Pat Farrell

2011 record: 4–2–3 (Atlantic 10) / 7–9–4 (overall)

Newcomers: Bobby Briggs (M), Andrew Connors (M/F), Joe Farrell (M/D), Mike Kirk (GK), Shawn Mearig (D) and Jason Spieker (M)

Losses: Ryan Sepe (F), Dan Korenyi (D), Jordan Torres (M/F), John Gravelle (D/M) and Nick Dundon (D/M)

Players to watch: John McCarthy (GK) and Jason Plumhoff (M)

Home opener: Drexel on Aug. 25

Must-see matches: Fordham on Oct. 5, VCU on Oct. 21, Saint Joseph’s on Oct. 26 and Temple on Oct. 28

Veteran head coach Pat Farrell is celebrating his 26th season directing La Salle’s men’s soccer program. Farrell’s squad finished 4th last season with an overall record of 7–9–4, securing wins against Army, UMBC, Dayton, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Charlotte, and Saint Joseph’s. The Explorers beat Temple 2–0 in the first round of the Atlantic 10 playoffs and lost the semi-final match to George Washington in double overtime. Last season’s playoff appearance marks Farrell’s 5th as head coach including a trip to the finals in 2010.

La Salle lost 5 seniors at the close of the 2011 season including Nick Dundon (D/MF). Dundan, a key defensive player, finished his college career with a host of honors including the 2011 Soccer Six Academic Player of the Year award and a spot on the Soccer Six All-Star Team.

Returning goalkeeper John McCarthy and striker Jason Plumhoff were also honored in 2011 with spots on the Soccer Six All-Star Team and the A10 All-Championship Team. McCarthy, a junior, saw 6 shutouts last season and led the A10 with most saves in 2010 and 2011. Plumhoff, also a junior, led the team in scoring with 7 goals and 6 assists last season.

The Explorers get things started on Aug. 18 with an exhibition at Navy followed by their first home game of the season on Aug. 25 against Drexel. La Salle celebrates the Labor Day weekend with a match at Loyola on Aug. 31 and a home game against Mount St. Mary’s on Sept. 2. The Explorers remain home to host Bucknell on Sept. 7 and Lafayette on Sept. 9. Farrell’s squad travels to Lehigh on Sept. 12 and returns home to play Long Island on Sept. 15. The Explorers finish the month of September away with games at Villanova on Sept. 20, UMBC on Sept. 25 and Saint Peter’s on Sept. 29.

A10 conference play begins with Fordham at McCarthy Stadium on Oct. 5 followed by a trip to George Washington on Oct. 12 and Charlotte on Oct. 14. La Salle will host Richmond on Oct. 19, newly added A10 member, VCU, on Oct. 21, Saint Joseph’s on Oct. 26 and Temple on Oct.28. The Explorers are scheduled to finish the regular season on the road with a stop at St. Bonaventure on Nov. 2 and Duquesne on Nov. 4.