Franciscan Soccer Strength Comes from Old and New

STEUBENVILLE – It’s a mix of fresh faces and seasoned veterans this season for Franciscan University of Steubenville men’s and women’s soccer teams. Ranked fourth by Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference preseason polls, Franciscan soccer is ready to be a formidable force in the AMCC.

“By now,” notes head coach Johann Marin, “my players are well-developed for conference play. We are well known for an intense game and a very hardworking spirit.”

Embodying that spirit is senior forward Steve Duran, who along with Alexander Rous of Medaille College, was named by the AMCC as co-preseason conference player of the year. Duran has twice earned first team all-conference and led the Barons with 10 goals and 26 points last season.

The Barons will look to Duran and the other returning seniors for leadership after losing seven seniors last season. But Marin is confident in his team and has high expectations for the new crop of players.

“I’m very blessed to coach a lot of talented individuals. My goal is to have the incoming players compliment the veterans. We have a lot of strong players.”

Duran will be joined by senior Christian Bobak on the Baron front line. Seniors Andrew Straub and Pat Mahon will hold down a strong defense.

For the Lady Baron Soccer team, Regina Recznik and Lauren Miller are the returning top-scorers looking to build off of last season’s strong offensive front. Marin expects Kelly O’Brien, Marian Weber and Clare Grchan to contribute leadership and top-play.

A notable new addition to the Lady Barons is Megan Scanlon, a transfer from Gonzaga University’s Division I soccer program. Scanlon will lead the Lady Baron defensive back line.

“The two biggest things I want to teach my teams are humility and a good work ethic. If we work hard and work together I expect great things from us,” said Marin.

The Barons will start their season this Wednesday, September 1, with both teams playing Point Park University. The Lady Barons will play at home with game time set for 5:00 p.m. The Barons will be on the road and play at 7:30 p.m.