Photo: Courtesy of St. Joseph’s University

Head coach: Don D’Ambra

2011 record: 1–8–0 (Atlantic 10) / 2–15–0 (overall)

Newcomers: Tim Lazorko (M), Emmanuael Temeh (F), Mike Serban (MF), Luke Rosescu (M), Adam Wissner (M)

Losses: Nico Galati (M), Jake McPaul (CB), Greg Rom (D), Tom Smart (CB)

Player to watch: Alex Critzos (F)

Home opener: Hartwick on Aug. 24

Must-see matches: Butler on Oct. 21, La Salle on Oct. 26, Fordham on Oct. 28, Temple on Nov. 3

Distinguished SJU men’s soccer alum, Don D’Ambra, is heading into his third year as head coach at Saint Joseph’s. His squad finished a tough year with a record of 1–8–0 in the Atlantic 10 and 2–15–0 overall with wins against Army and St. Bonaventure.

The Hawks lost four seniors at the end of the 2011 season including Tom Smart who was named to the Philadelphia Soccer Six All Star team. Notable returners include co-captains Andrew D’Ottavi, Pat McGlynn and Tim Brennan. Brennan was named to the 2011 Academic All-Conference team. Also returning is the team’s top scorer, Alex Critzos.

The Hawks start the regular season with three home games. On Friday night, the Hawks got the season off to a good start with a 2–1 overtime win over Hartwick. They next face NJIT on Aug. 27 and St. Francis on Sept. 1 before heading out to Kentucky for the UK invitational. There they’ll play Kentucky on Sept. 7 and Stony Brook on Sept. 9. Saint Joseph’s returns home for one home game against Rider on Sept. 15 before heading out to Cornell on Sept. 22, Bucknell on Sept. 25 and Loyola on Sept. 29.

D’Ambra’s squad starts Atlantic 10 conference play at home against Duquesne on Oct. 5 and St. Bonaventure on Oct. 7. The Hawks travel to New England to play Massachusetts on Oct. 12 and Rhode Island on Oct. 14 before returning to Philadelphia for three home games. Saint Joseph’s hosts Saint Louis on Oct. 19, Butler on Oct. 21 and La Salle on Oct. 26. They head up to New York to face Fordham on Oct. 28 and return to Philly for their final regular season match against Temple on Nov. 3.