BREVARD, N.C. – The offensive attack and goal-scoring opportunities for the Brevard College men's soccer team have been on a record pace as the Tornados finish the conference portion of their USA South schedule and prepare for their first appearance in the USA South Conference West Division Tournament.
The Tornado offense, which has already scored 25 goals with 21 assists in just seven matches played, ranks top-five nationally in total goals (25, T-2nd), total assists (21, 2nd), and total points (71, 2nd), while leading the USA South Conference in all three of these offensive categories.
"In any given year, we can expect our players to defend well as this aspect of the game is a signature of any successful team," commented Head Coach Helio "L" D'Anna. "However, in years that we score like the way we have been this season, our job is so much more effective."
BC's top-three goal-scorers - Vinicius Giannaccini, Adam Spencer, and Francesco Bonometti
(Photo courtesy of Victoria Brayman '22).
Individually, Vinicius Giannaccini's six goals through BC's first seven games rank top-10 in all of DIII and top-five in the conference, while Francesco Bonometti's five scores are also top-10 in the country. Giannaccini and Bonometti are also approaching single-season program records, with the NCAA-era single-season mark of seven goals set last season by Matheus Masukawa in reach for both Tornado strikers.
Freshman defender Sam O'Callaghan ranks top-five nationally and in the USA South with four assists so far this season, while sophomore defender Trystan Wallace has dished out three assists to rank second on the team. As a team, 12 different Tornados have distributed an assist this season to pace one of the most lethal attacks in the country, while 10 BC student-athletes have scored goals this season.
Freshman defender Sam O'Callaghan is top-five in the nation in assists
(Photo courtesy of Brianna Rodibaugh '24).
"Scoring does not always go hand in hand with assisting," added Coach L. "This aspect shows selflessness and craftiness – areas that we are excelling in as well. I am especially happy by the number of different players contributing to our offensive success."
Through its seven games played in the Spring of 2021, the BC men's soccer team has outpaced opponents, scoring 25 goals while conceding just seven for a goal differential of 18 that leads all NCAA Division III teams this season. In addition to its offensive output this year, BC's defense has been led by a back-line of Marquis Dickerson, O'Callaghan, Igor da Silva, Inigo Satrustegui, and Wallace anchoring the defensive efforts. Goalkeepers Pedro Campos and Jack Pruehs have seen the bulk of the minutes in-goal for the Tornados.
The BC men's soccer team secured its spot in the USA South postseason following a dominant 5-0 victory over LaGrange on Sunday, March 14. The berth marks the second-consecutive postseason appearance for the Tornados under the direction of Coach L D'Anna, as Brevard was selected to the 2019 ECAC DIII Men's Soccer Championship a season ago.
The trip marks Brevard's first at the conference level since the 2016 South Atlantic Conference Men's Soccer Tournament. BC's trip to the West Division Tournament is the program's fifth postseason appearance in the NCAA-era.
The 2020-21 BC men's soccer team prior to a contest at home
(Photo courtesy of Brianna Rodibaugh '24).
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-BC-