KINGS POINT, N.Y. (Sept. 30, 2020) – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy men's soccer head coach Drew McCarthy recently announced that four seniors will serve as the Mariners' team captains for the 2020 season – Joe Clark (Baltimore, Md.), Ryan Haines (Marlton, N.J.), Zach Lysakowski (Reading, Pa.) and Luke Sturtz (Norman, Okla.).
Clark has played in 35 games for the Mariners at midfield and forward. He has two goals and two assists to his credit for a total of four points.
"Joe has emerged as a leader on the pitch and in the Regiment of Midshipmen," commented McCarthy. "Joe has worked hard over the past 3 years to secure a starting spot up top for the team. "He does a tremendous amount of work in the games to secure possession and set up his teammates. He is a leader amongst his classmates, serving as the President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Joe leads a group of Midshipman-athletes assembled to provide insight on the Midshipman-athlete experience and offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect Midshipman-athletes' lives on campus. He organizes all team morale activities, ensuring each member is cared for and feels a part of the Academy Soccer Family. Joe plans to sail on his Merchant Mainers License upon graduation."
Haines began starting regularly for the Mariners during the 2019 season, and has played 33 games in his career, starting 11 of them. He has tallied 12 points on five goals and two assists.
"Ryan has been a tremendous leader and asset to the program for the past four years," said McCarthy. "He is a natural leader who sets the example for the team on and off the field. On the field, Ryan plays the defensive center midfield position and has the greatest impact on the tactical set-up of the team. He has increased his role on the team each year to become the focal point of the team's success this season. Off of the pitch, Ryan has taken the lead to educate the team on the topic of inclusion and diversity. He is on the Academy's Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is active leading discussions on campus pertaining to cultural improvements. Ryan is weighing his options between serving the country on Active Duty in the U.S. Coast Guard or sailing on his license upon graduation."
Lysakowski has started all but one game in his career (33-of-34), and is a two-time All-Skyline Conference selection – First Team in 2018 and Second Team in 2019. He has scored 14 goals and dished out seven assists for a team-best 35 points.
"Zach is one of the most talented players to come through the program in the past decade," commented McCarthy. "From the moment he stepped on the field he secured a starting spot on the pitch. He is dangerous on the wings and in the opponent's defensive end. Zach is also a person of service to the Academy community. He has served as a New York State Qualified Emergency Medical Technician on campus during the past four years. Responding to numerous emergencies and standing watches in the local fire department. Zach is going to Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation, serving as an Infantry Officer."
Sturtz has started all 36 games he has played in over two seasons and has been a physical presence on the Mariners' back line. He earned a Second Team All-Skyline Conference selection after his junior season in 2019.
"Luke is the emotional leader of the team; he often sacrifices his body and gives every ounce of energy every time he steps on the pitch," said McCarthy. "Luke is one of the most determined and hardworking players I have had in my 20 years of coaching. His ability to put the team before himself and keep the group focused has made him a key factor to the team's success. He is an elite defender, specializing in stopping the opponents' best offensive threat, often in 1-on-1 situations. Luke is weighing his options between serving the country on Active Duty in the U.S. Coast Guard or sailing on his license upon graduation."
The Mariners' continue their altered 2020 season this Saturday, Oct. 3, with another exhibition "friendly" against Army West Point. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. (Easter) at the Black Knights' Malek Stadium at Clinton Field. You can follow along with live stats for the game by clicking this link, while watching the live video feed at this link.
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