Men’s Soccer Adds Three Newcomers for 2017 Campaign

AMHERST, Mass. – The UMass men's soccer team has added a trio of newcomers for the 2017 campaign as announced by head coach Fran O'Leary. Christian Carucci (Staten Island, N.Y.), Eli Cronin (Boxford, Mass.) and Davis Smith (Amherst, Mass.) all signed with the Minutemen last week during the start of the National Letter of Intent period for men's soccer.

"We are excited to welcome Christian, Davis and Eli to the UMass men's soccer program," said O'Leary. "Coming off a fourth place finish in the Atlantic 10, it is our goal to continue to improve and vie for the top spot in our conference. The addition of these lads will help improve our prospects of attaining this goal. A special note of thanks to Associate Head Coach Mike Mordocco, who along with Assistant Coaches Danny Melong and Fred Balbino have done stellar work in helping bring this group to UMass."

2017 UMass Men's Soccer NLI Signees:
Christian Carucci • Fr. • GK • 6-0/172 • Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville HS
Eli Cronin • Fr. • D • 5-10/155 • Boxford, Mass./Masconomet HS
Davis Smith • Fr. • MF • 6-6/185 • Amherst, Mass./Williston Northampton School

UMass finished fourth in the Atlantic 10 regular-season standings after being picked to place 10th in the preseason poll. In O'Leary's second-year as the program's head coach, the Minutemen posted a 4-2-2 record in league play to qualify for the A-10 Tournament for the second consecutive year - the first back-to-back postseason appearance for UMass since 2007-08.

The Minutemen ranked as the No. 1 defense A-10 matches having conceded just four goals against league foes. The group didn't allow a single goal at home in four league games going 3-0-1 at Rudd Field.

For complete coverage of the UMass men's soccer team, follow the Minutemen on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @UMassMSoccer and online at www.UMassAthletics.com.

Christian Carucci • Fr. • GK • 6-0/172 • Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville HS
Three-year letterwinner at Tottenville High School for coach Ron Nathanson … Named PSAL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2015 ... Was MVP and Staten Island All-Star his junior year in 2015 ... Helped team to SI Division Champions and SIHSSL Champions in 2015 ... Helped team post a 41-10-5 overall record in his first three years … As a junior in 2015, recorded a career-best 0.918 save percentage and a 0.43 goals-against-average.

Coach O'Leary on Carucci: "We have followed Christian for some time. He is a talented young player who will challenge our returning keepers for a starting role next season. A good shot stopper, Christian is comfortable with the ball at his feet and makes decisive decisions when placed under pressure."

Eli Cronin • Fr. • D • 5-10/155 • Boxford, Mass./Masconomet HS
Played academy soccer for Seacoast United under coach Corlton Simmond ... Was a full-time starter for four years as a right-back and midfielder ... Appeared in two U.S showcases each year in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 ... Served as team captain in 2014 and 2016 … Was also a starter for the Under-16 DAP team at right back … Helped his Masconomet Summer League team win the 2016 Northern New England Challenge Cup.

Coach O'Leary on Cronin: "Eli impressed at our College ID camp. He possesses a fierce competitive streak and will add competition and depth across our back line. His strength in the tackle and composure in possession will stand him in good stead as he progresses in his college career at UMass."

Davis Smith • Fr. • MF • 6-6/185 • Amherst, Mass./Williston Northampton School
Joined the Dallas Texans Under-17/18 Academy program after playing local for the Williston Northampton School … With the Texans, started all 13 matches played as a midfielder … As a junior in 2015 with Williston, served as co-captain and was tabbed a Western New England All-Star … Also earned NEPSAC All-Star accolades and was named to the WNEPSSA Select Team.

Coach O'Leary on Smith: "We are delighted that Davis has decided to return home to Amherst. He received interest from schools across the country, yet has made the decision to play a role in propelling UMass to the top of the A-10 conference. A physically imposing player at 6-foot-6, Davis possesses great athletic ability and makes good decisions when in possession of the ball."

Scoreboard

University of Massachusets Athletics

Related Videos