Athlete of the Week | Bianchetti nets goals in opening games

Ansser Sadiq Guest Writer Elizabeth Pacheco Sports Editor

The Vassar men’s soccer team has had a strong start this fall, posting back-to-back victories in their opening three games. While all the players have given stellar performances, center mid-fielder Brian Bianchetti ’10 has been a standout player in all three games.

In the team’s first win this season over Manhattanville College, Bianchetti headed an assist to team co-captain Ben Fox ’08 to lift the score to 2-1. Then, in games against Alfred University and Medgar Evers College, he scored one and two goals, respectively. After these games, Bianchetti is current team leader in both goals and shots on goal.

“[Bianchetti] was always in the thick of the action in games and is instrumental to the success of the team,” said Head Coach of men’s soccer Andy Jennings.

Bianchetti is only a sophomore, but his role on the team is significant.

“Like the majority of players this season, he came back to Vassar in great physical shape and has set the tone for our success so far,” said Jennings.

Bianchetti, who has played soccer since he was five years old, is certainly at home on the soccer field. Besides playing for his high school team in California, Bianchetti was also a member of a competitive club team. Last season he played midfield, starting all 16 games and sharing the responsibility with three seniors. Since those players graduated, Bianchetti’s experience has become crucial on the field.

“We only have one senior this year, so our team is really young,” said Bianchetti. Despite this, Bianchetti is optimistic about the team’s prospects. “[Jennings] and the coaching staff have been tremendous...I think we can do really well,” he said. In the past the team has been just out of reach of qualifying for the Liberty League Tournament. Just last season the team finished in sixth place with a record of 2-5 in their league.

Jennings is confident in Bianchetti’s potential this season and in the future. “[Bianchetti] is clearly a physical presence on the team and is beginning to show signs of leadership in terms of the mental side of the game,” said Jennings. “He is a sophomore, so he will definitely grow into that role. Right now his athleticism is his primary attribute.”

This weekend the team will begin their Liberty League schedule. “Our goal for this season is to make it to the Liberty League Championships, and I hope I can help the team to get there,” said Bianchetti.

He will have his first opportunity this Friday, Sept. 21 at Clarkson University, and another on Saturday at St. Lawrence University.