The Shippensburg University men’s soccer team is returning to the field after nearly two years. The Raiders were not able to compete in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019 the Raiders went 2-10-3. The Raiders did not make the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) tournament.
The Raiders were recently voted sixth in 2021 PSAC preseason coaches’ poll. The Raiders were placed behind Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, East Stroudsburg, Millersville and West Chester University. The Raiders did not receive any first-place votes in the poll.
Behind the bench for the Raiders this season is head coach Jeremy Spering. Spering is entering his 14th season at the helm and during which he has reached many milestones with the team. During his tenure, SU has set new school records for single season wins, most consecutive victories and the longest undefeated streak. This off-season, Shippensburg added a new face to the coaching staff. The Raiders added assistant coach Mohamed Jalloh. Jalloh was previously an assistant coach at East Stroudsburg University. Jalloh helped lead the Warriors to three PSAC tournament appearances and one PSAC tournament championship.
Shippensburg has 21 players returning from the 2020 roster, however they only have ten players returning from the 2019 season. The Raiders also announced their recruiting class of 2020 new Raiders that will be joining the team this season. A key player returning for the team is sophomore forward Seth Crabbe. Crabbe led the team in goals during the 2019 season. Crabbe made 11 starts and appeared in 15 matches for the team and was tied for the team lead in points. Crabbe also scored the game winning goal against Bloomsburg in the 2019 season.
SU will play 15 regular season games this season. The Raiders kickoff their regular season on Thursday Sept. 2.
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