New faces, new direction for Men’s Soccer

By Ryan Patota

As the 2026 fall semester begins on the campus of Canisius University, it marks a fresh start for the Golden Griffins’ men’s soccer team. Just like any college season, the Griffs look in a new direction as a team. 

The team lost three players during the offseason, most notably forward Mesafint Ellingson on the offensive side of the ball. Ellingson started in 11 games during his time as a Griff. The team also lost midfielder Kyle Pollard and defender Josh Miller. However, forward Glodie Mata and keeper Preston Harold returned this season for a fifth year of eligibility. Harold has made all three starts in net for the Griffs, making eight saves. 

Canisius welcomed six new faces to the roster this season. Most notably, the Griffs added freshman midfielder Lorenzo “Coco” Tuch and Brian Batista. Both players have a connection with the team already as they are both former teammates of current Griff sophomore defender Larry Jimenez, who played at the Barca Academy in Arizona. The connection to the program helped give the newcomers a familiar face as they adjust to the new program.

Tuch has seen the field the most among the newcomers so far through the first three games of the season, playing an average of 48 minutes a game. The freshman helped draw a penalty kick in Tuesday’s loss against Cleveland State, leading to the Griffs' first goal of the season. “Tuch is a jack of all trades. He can add more to the attack, but he can also add more to the buildup and possession deeper in midfield,” said Head Coach Michael Tanke.

Tanke, who is in his fifth season as head coach of the men’s soccer program, has brought in a consistent culture where the team keeps the momentum going even with changes to the team. “One of our strengths is continuity and developing players during the four years. In today’s world, that’s not the norm in so many other programs. Rather than rebuilding the roster every season, we develop, and I think that speaks to our culture that has been built here,” said Tanke. The newcomers join an experienced and veteran Canisius roster that includes 10 seniors and two graduate students. 

The team has struggled so far to start the season, dropping the first three non-conference games. The Griffs have scored one goal in that span, coming on a Noah Baumslag penalty kick in Tuesday’s contest against the Vikings. As the team prepares for Metro Conference play, which will start on Sep. 19 on the road against Iona, Tanke said the team’s early non-conference schedule has provided valuable preparation, facing the Horizon League champs in 2024 and 2025 and gaining playoff-like experience. 

Canisius will close out its non-conference road schedule on Sep. 5 as the team travels to Erie, Pa. to face the Mercyhurst Lakers at 6 p.m.