West Windsor, N.J. -- First-year Head Coach Patrick Snyder believes that the 2011 roster of solid veteran sophomores and strong incoming freshmen will be a winning combination for the Vikings this season. With the end goal of returning to nationals, which last happened for Mercer in 2008, Snyder will concentrate on bringing his talented players together to create team success.

One player who will be helpful in that mission is goalkeeper Sheldon Parkinson, an All-Region selection from 2008 who is returning to Mercer after two seasons away. The Vikings will also rely on a strong front line, with returning forwards Precious Iloka (Hamilton, NJ/Nottingham) and Damian Sadlowski (Hamilton, NJ/Nottingham) leading the offensive. Coach Snyder is also expecting big sophomore seasons from midfielders Jonathan Louisignau (Wilmington, DE/Concord) and 2010 All-Region player Jonni Ventura (Westminster, MA), while sophomore Kyle Bijou (Bordentown, NJ/Bordentown Regional) will provide leadership in the backfield.

Two incoming freshmen expected to come on strong are midfielders Kelvin Flores (Hightstown, NJ/Hightstown) and Lorenzo Laurenti (Chesterfield, NJ/Northern Burlington).

The Vikings fell just short of reaching the NJCAA National Tournament in 2010, losing in the Northeast District Championship to Monroe CC (Bronx).

The Vikings open their season on Sept. 3 at Del Tech Terry. They play their first home game against Massasoit CC (MA) at the MCCC Socccer Complex on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 12 noon.

Snyder is assisted this season by Bill Daily, Tigana Dolce, John Pietrowski and Art Taylor.

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