Men's Soccer 2023 Season Preview
The Providence Christian men's soccer team prepares to kick off the 2023 season hosting a pair of California Pacific Conference opponents on Thursday September 7th when they host Pacific Union College and on Saturday September 9th UC Merced. The Sea Beggars have persevered through changes within the program and look to rise to the occasion.
The Sea Beggars welcomed new head coach Robert Gurule in early July, and he hit the ground running taking on the countless required tasks of a head coach. To start, Gurule hired his assistant coach, Edgar Manvelyan. Gurule and Manvelyan both have deep roots in the San Gabriel valley soccer community and that paid dividends immediately as recruiting was their number one priority. Providence Head Women's Soccer Coach, Todd Elkins, promoted to the role of Director of Soccer Operations, has done a phenomenal job coming alongside Gurule and Manvelyan as they worked in collaboration to build out the 2023 roster.
As the soccer season approaches, the Beggars are excited to welcome their newest recruits. Ethan Bartram, who hails from Canada, has joined the squad, and has already made a positive impression. Ethan has put in several good sessions and is fitting in nicely with the team. Danny Tuck, who comes from Valley Center California, has shown determination and solid playmaking ability and he should contribute in significant ways. Slaiwa Youhanna joins the team from Norco College, where he spent a year redshirting for Coach Drew Rae. Sly brings positive energy to the midfield with his high work rate and great attitude. Hayden Hughes, a crossover athlete, has also joined the team. Hayden will be representing Providence in two collegiate sports: golf and men's soccer. His commitment to both sports fills a need on the team's roster and he has jumped in and performed remarkably well. Lastly, Spencer Hillner, from Simi Valley, recently joined the team and has seamlessly integrated into the group, picking up on the tempo the team has been working on. Spencer brings a confident and calm demeanor that's infectious to those around him, and he's proven to have an immediate impact on and off the field.
Returning to the squad as senior leaders are Vincenzo Costagliola and Richie Cortés. Both players have multiple years of experience and have committed to bringing the team together as central figures in the defense. Vinny's presence on the field is something that cannot be taught, and he will be relied upon heavily to set the tone for the 2023 Beggars. Kevin Aranda will be the starting goalkeeper and he is healthy and eager to make a statement in his return to the pitch. Ben Rose, another senior, will be responsible for stabilizing the team's structure with his strong demeanor. Sophomore Graeme Vander Meulen looks to be a presence on the back line with Costagliola and Rose, as he brings a persistent defensive mindset.
Elijiah Vanderveen leads by example with his tenacity and hard work and should be a major contributor this season. Elijiah can play any position at a high level and should be an exciting player to watch in the 2023 season. Erick Martinez brings a confident and smooth style to the midfield, while CJ Castro adds determination, work rate, and technical skill. Together, they hope to form a cohesive central midfield formation. Aaron Watkins and Youhanna will be responsible for running the flanks and causing problems for opposing teams. Offensively, the team will rely on the combination of Hillner, Hughes, and Bartram in a hybrid tactical approach. Their height, size, and agility will hopefully pay dividends as they rely on positional rotations to find the back of the net.
When asked about the 2023 season senior captain, Vinny Costagliola said, "The team has endured many changes and obstacles this past off-season, but we're motivated to change and push the program forward. I am excited about the incoming recruits and the team dynamic we have this year. This year you can expect to see growth on and off the pitch from the team." Sophomore CJ Castro added, "New season, new players, new coaching staff, same mission. Let's get to work."
When asked about the 2023 team and his strategy with this group, coach Gurule said, "Together as a group we hope to establish a very specific tempo that encourages ball movement versus relying on individual efforts. We hope to take advantage of current trends in tactical formations as displayed so eloquently in the Men's and Women's World Cups. We are committed to playing with purpose in all aspects, physically and spiritually, as we forge forward into the season."
The Sea Beggars have worked hard to prepare for the season, and they are excited for the journey ahead. With a mix of experienced senior leaders and talented new recruits, the team is poised for success. The Beggars open the 2023 campaign with home games on Thursday September 7th versus Cal Pac opponents Pacific Union and on September 9th UC Merced. Come cheer on these young men as they play with grit, precision, and purpose.