Senior Marco Panaccione is one of four returning defenders from last season's quarterfinal squad

New-Look Defense Ready to Bring Success for Men’s Soccer

8/14/2023 10:30:00 AM

Change is a constant element within the Georgia Gwinnett College men’s soccer team. That’s definitely true for a new-look 2023 defensive unit that’s finding replacements for fifth-year veteran centerbacks Gianmaria Fiore, Thomas Herwig and Aleksandar Racanovic.

That trio combined to make 163 appearances for the Grizzlies, helping the program to conference titles, Opening Round victories and NAIA national tournament appearances.

With the 2023 season opener against Bryan College (Tennessee) on Saturday, August 19, GGCAthletics.com examines the four returning players and six newcomers that will contribute to keeping opponents in check during the fall season.

Our three fifth-year defenders were great players and leaders for us last season, but we have more depth at that position this year. There’s also more competition that will make us better. The fun part about preseason this year has been seeing the competition between players for team roles. With the overall quality of depth and talented players on this year’s team, it has been interesting to see how things will settle out,

- Head Coach Steve DeCou during a preseason interview

One of the potential starting defenders, sophomore Aidan Colquitt, is seeking to take lessons learned from four matches in 2022 and strong spring training sessions. He had an assist in a career-high 26 minutes of action against Washington Adventist University (Maryland) late last season.

Sophomore Aidan Colquitt dribbles the ball during a 2022 preseason scrimmage

“Aidan is big and athletic, with good feet. He had a great spring and used that time to improve. He’s battling for a chance to earn a starting spot this season,” stated DeCou about the 6-foot-4 defender from Dacula, Georgia.

Three returning wingbacks add experience to the defensive unit, when not advancing forward to assist in GGC’s offensive attack. Fifth-year senior Marco Panaccione provided two assists in 16 starts and 18 appearances last fall. He’s in his third season wearing the Green and Grey.

“Marco is one of our last fifth-year eligible players who had a good season last year. We are expecting a big season out of him once again,” the coach noted.

Marco Panaccione helped deliver set pieces for the Grizzlies during the 2022 campaign

Classmate Augustin Lepoutre scored a goal and contributed four assists in his first season as a Grizzly in 2022. The Lille, France, native tallied two assists in a victory against Washington Adventist. His lone goal came in a home triumph against Point University (Georgia) early in the season.

Senior James Forster appeared in 12 matches last season and had two starting assignments after returning from an injury-filled 2021 spring season.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have several junior college and NCAA Division II transfers who have added depth and playing experience to the team.

Juniors John Fragakis and Rory O’Connor played at Camden Community College (New Jersey) and Pratt Community College (Kansas), respectively.

John and Rory came to us with strong individual credentials, and both played at successful junior colleges. They bring good size to the defense and Rory has a big personality and leadership qualities. They’re also good on set pieces,

- Head Coach Steve DeCou, who enters his 12th season in Lawrenceville

Senior Augustin Lepoutre adds depth to the defensive unit who can help generate offense from the wingback position

Sophomore Nadav Weizmann has come from Tyler Junior College (Texas), a pipeline for collegiate talent, and junior Esteban Correa is new to the program from NCAA Division II Concord University (West Virginia).

“Nadav keeps our Israeli pipeline from Tyler JC open and has played for a perennial national championship team, while Esteban gives us depth along the back line. Five guys have come to us this fall with lots of experience,” the coach remarked.

Other newcomers looking to assist with the wingbacks are junior Kieran Swanson and freshman Chris Stafford.

James Forster (#25) celebrates after tallying a goal against Southeastern University (Florida) in a home win last season

Read More