BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Lynn men's soccer team has been one of the most successful programs in the Sunshine State Conference and looks to build on its rich history in 2023. After winning five of their last six games and missing a share of the conference regular season championship by just one point a season ago, the coaching staff is relishing a new year.

Head coach John Rootes, who has won two National Championships at Lynn, believes his 2023 team has the talent to continue the Fighting Knights' winning ways. "We brought in a good recruiting class and are returning a lot of guys from last year where we've built up a good foundation and a good team culture. We're excited for a fresh start," Rootes stated.

The Fighting Knights allowed the second fewest goals (20) in the conference in 2022 and are happy to have two disciplined captains returning in seniors Marco Costa and Lukas Rietzler. Both players played nearly every minute in 2022, providing immeasurable value.

Also returning for his senior season is midfielder Patrick O'Halloran, who tied for second on the team with four goals last year.

Rootes and his staff hit the recruiting trail to bring in fresh faces to the roster. "We have an influx of talent coming in. Max Lambertz is a graduate transfer from Flagler, Fabian Vyhnalek is a midfielder from Austria who is an exciting player, Miguel Alvarez is from Spain and will provide great leadership, Luis Kiefer, a graduate forward from Germany, is a big, strong striker and a young Swede, Oskar Dahlberg, is a true freshman who has the potential to do well for us."

In net, the Fighting Knights have options to play minutes, including sophomore Luca Clavero, who recorded five shutouts in 11 games and led the SSC with a .793 save percentage last year. "Luca's done well. He worked hard, came back in good shape and has set the bar high for the rest of our goalkeepers," Rootes said. "There's a lot of competition. The goalkeepers are pushing each other so we feel good about that position."

"It's going to take everyone to be successful," Rootes closed. "Be a good person off and on the field, perform the roles that are asked and support your teammates." 

The new campaign kicks off with a four-game road trip, beginning in Mobile, Ala. on Thursday, Aug. 31 for a 1:00 pm match against Spring Hill. The Fighting Knights are home for the first time on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 6:00 pm to take on Palm Beach Atlantic.