Jamestown Community College Men’s Soccer Team Set to Kick Off 2025 Season
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 men’s soccer season, Jamestown Community College’s (JCC) Jayhawks are gearing up for their opener on Saturday, August 23, against SUNY Adirondack. Under the banner of togetherness, which encapsulates the old sports adage “TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More,” this year’s squad faces the challenge of replacing an impressive roster that saw 24 players depart, including standouts David Luque and Dominique Malhomme, who made significant contributions to the program.
Replacing Legends: The Challenge Ahead
The departure of Luque and Malhomme leaves a significant void in the lineup, as both players left an undeniable mark on the record books. Sophomore Ethyn Gilbert acknowledged the rarity of such talents, stating, “I don’t know if there is any replacing them. David and Dom are very special players… I think we mesh better.” This sentiment reflects a shift in focus from individual stars to a more cohesive team dynamic, one that emphasizes collective effort over reliance on standout players.
A Collective Effort
Last year’s squad reached the Region 3 semifinals, where they narrowly lost to the second-ranked team in the nation. The current leadership, including players like Braidan Govan and Shane Bennett, is optimistic that this year’s more balanced team composition will allow for sustained success. Govan remarked, “It is really important. It is 11 vs. 11. It is a team game, so we need to involve everyone.” Emphasizing teamwork over individual glory could be the key to pushing past last season’s finish line.
International Flair and Team Bonding
The 2025 roster features a considerable number of international players, which poses a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Govan, who leads the returning players with 22 points from seven goals and eight assists, understands the difficulty of moving to a new country and culture. His leadership aims to help newcomers acclimatize, as he noted, “We are trying to let them settle in, and it is going in so far."
Part of this settling-in process includes fostering team camaraderie. Bennett shared some of the fun they had during the off-season, saying, “Yesterday we went out for a game of manhunt. I feel we are closer as a team.” This close-knit atmosphere could be vital as the season progresses.
Preparing for the Challenge
However, as the fun moments transition into high-pressure practices, the Jayhawks are aware they need to step up their game. With coaches Jesse da Costa and Pat Anderson pushing the team harder than ever, Bennett expressed hope for the forthcoming challenges: “I am not excited for that bit, but I am excited for the outcome.” The focus now turns to execution on the field and preparation for the upcoming matches.
Defensive Strategies and Aspirations
Gilbert also stressed the importance of a strong defense, indicating that some tactical changes are in play. “I am hoping by changing some tendencies this year, we will have a good defense, and we can lock in in the middle and make it (to nationals) this year,” he explained. This focus on defense, combined with an experienced core of players, gives them confidence for the season ahead.
High Hopes for the Season
Sam Little, another sophomore, shared his determination to reach new heights this season. “I think we will do well and get to nationals this year; that is the goal,” he declared, referencing how close they came the previous year. His optimism, shared among the squad, presents a unified vision for the team’s future.
Upcoming Matches
The first opportunity for fans to see the revamped JCC soccer team will come on the road against SUNY Adirondack on August 23 at 4 p.m. Then, the following Saturday, August 30, the Jayhawks will host North Country Community College at 2:30 p.m. This season promises to be an exciting chapter for the Jayhawks as they aim for success through teamwork, dedication, and a shared goal of making it to nationals.
With so much on the line and a renewed focus on collective effort, the 2025 Jamestown Community College men’s soccer team is ready to hit the ground running and show how unity can lead to greatness.
