The Wilkes University men’s soccer team as it heads into conference play at 5-5 and 1-0 in the Middle Atlantic Conference as of Oct. 3.

“Overall, we have a young squad who are continuing to grow and gel together as a unit,” assistant coach Tyler Mensch said. “Our offense has been moving the ball well and finding the back of the net and our defense is taking steps forward in being able to defend more physically and smarter.”

Recently, the Colonels have played against some tough competition such as Stevens Institute of Technology, the No. 22 team in the country. Stevens won that matchup, 7-2.

The Colonels played against conference foe Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., Oct. 6 before hosting DeSales at 4 p.m. Oct. 9.

“On the road makes the match more intense and they play a physical style of soccer that our guys will have to be ready for, Mensch said. “If we do what we practice we’ll be fine and be able to control the match if not we will have our hands full. It all comes down to who wants it more.”

One of the key players for the Wilkes Colonels is goalkeeper Dave Marr.

“Dave provides a lot of leadership on the field and work ethic. He controls his box well and is a good shot stopper,” Mensch said.

Another key player for the Colonels is forward Eric McAnena.

“Eric is the leading goal scorer for the team,” Mensch said. “He creates a lot of dangerous scoring chances with his work rate.”