The Salisbury’s boys’ soccer team is hoping the Falcons’ experience results in more wins than their 2019 season that resulted in a 2-9-1 in the Colonial League record. Despite a shortened season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, having nine returning seniors is a good sign the team might be able to achieve those goals.

Defender Aaron Kahn (6 career assists) and midfielder Nico Jones (2 career goals) are the two main graduates from last year’s team. Besides that, the nine returning seniors are poised to turn around a culture that resulted in just nine league wins over the past three seasons.

“Many of the nine seniors have played varsity ball since they were freshmen,” head coach Mark Allinson said. “I’m hoping that experience, adversity and hard work ethic exhibited this summer will translate into wins. We have a different attitude this year, and 34 players is a plus.”

Leading that group is senior forward Andre Fernandes, who scored a team-high 13 goals and added an assist last year. He’s got 25 goals for his career now. Junior midfielder Nick Amado is also back after adding four goals and three assists last fall.

The offense expects to be led by those upperclassmen, but one area of focus over the summer has been the Falcons’ depth on defense. Senior Baxter Reihman anchors that unit in goal after posting 104 saves last season (347 for his career).

Senior midfielder Chris Marinos and senior defender Tyler Carpenter will also be key factors on defense.

“Our defensive depth could be an issue,” Allinson said. “Last season we had numerous injuries that really exposed depth issues at all positions. Our conditioning program this summer will hopefully address that issue. We have a difficult back end of our schedule, front end was canceled, which means every game will be tough.”

Freshman forward Jack Monahan is a newcomer expected to make an impact for Allinson, too.

Despite the shortened season and challenges presented by the pandemic and uncertainty surrounding it, the Falcons are grateful for the opportunity to suit up after seeing other teams’ seasons canceled last spring.

A spot in the postseason, if there is one, would be icing on the cake.

“We must attend to many things within this COVID-19 era,” Allinson said. “Safety for all involved within the program has been an emphasis, and protocols are being followed to ensure that safety. Practices have been structured to minimize contact. Our athletic training staff-Julie Nunn, Julie Grisi and Zane Sebesta-have been great resources and have done a fabulous job keeping everyone safe and healthy.

“Without any real guidance from District 11 yet, we are not really sure what, if any, postseason will look like. But it would be a giant boost for our seniors to be a part of that for the first time.”

Salisbury opens its schedule at Pen Argyl on Monday. Game time is set for 4 p.m.