A New Chapter for Siena Soccer
The Siena University men's soccer program is entering a transformative season, fielding a squad that includes sixteen brand‑new players from ten different countries. The roster reflects a global mix that promises diverse perspectives and playing styles, while the coaching staff has woven team‑building games such as Jeopardy!, Pictionary and charades into daily routines to accelerate cohesion.
Head coach Graciano Brito, who guided the team to its first Metro Conference championship and an NCAA Tournament berth last year, emphasizes that the current focus is on forging chemistry rather than worrying about defending a title. Only two returning starters, senior forward Lucas Almeida and senior goalkeeper Bennet Glinder, are expected to feature in the season opener against NJIT, and both earned preseason all‑Metro honors, with Almeida having scored ten goals last season.
Junior midfielder Campbell Stalker is recovering from hip surgery, which will limit his participation early in the campaign, while the team also welcomes back preseason all‑Metro selections Almeida and Glinder as key anchors.
International Impact and Rookie Contributions
Belgian midfielder Martin Piedeleu, the 2025 Metro Rookie of the Year, transferred to Florida International after a standout freshman year, while newcomer Emmy Horja from Fairleigh Dickinson adds depth despite not having seen action in the previous season. Their arrivals underscore the program's strategy of recruiting talent from abroad to complement the existing core.
Injuries have reshaped the lineup; Mark Cajamarca is sidelined with a torn ACL and Lee Mara is nursing an ankle problem, leaving the team with ten freshmen and five more awaiting visa clearance. These setbacks have forced the coaching staff to rely heavily on younger players and to integrate newcomers quickly.
Despite the turnover, Siena is ranked second in the preseason poll, the highest position in program history, trailing only Sacred Heart, and Coach Brito remains confident that the blend of international talent and home‑grown players will keep the team competitive as they look to defend their Metro Conference title.