ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Finally getting to return for the first time in several months, head coach TJ Kostecky and the Bard College men's soccer team look to build upon 2019 and anticipate the program taking a big step forward this year.

More than anything, they're just excited to be back playing the game.

"It feels great to be back." Kostecky said. "After the whole summer of uncertainty, whether or not we would even have class in person, where quite a few schools have already closed because of the virus, to now be into our third week of training, it feels great."

"Coming back to campus after an abrupt end to the spring semester felt very fulfilling," said junior midfielder Joey Carbone. "It felt like life was resuming again and we were all finally home. All I could think about the last five months was getting back to campus, seeing friends, and getting to play with all my teammates on Ferrari Field. I missed my friends, teammates, the beautiful campus, and playing soccer. I am so happy to be back in Annandale."

Due to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the team will be unable to participate in competition this fall. The Liberty League is currently discussing the possibility of a few soccer matches in the spring.

"It's tough not being able to compete this fall," said junior captain Bobby Knoth. "The enthusiasm around the team has been focused on just being grateful that we're able to practice and be together."

Junior forward Pat Devine believes that the team can use the time off to help work towards bringing their game to the next level.

"I think everyone was understandably pretty bummed out but I also think we have been prepared and somewhat expecting this to happen, since things weren't getting much better over the summer," Devine said. "However, everyone has responded pretty positively and we have still been getting after it in practice, trying to use this as an opportunity to get better and close the gap between us and the competition."

Their coach notes that despite there not being a fall season, he hasn't noticed any difference in the team's preparation.

"They're athletes, they always want to compete no matter what the situation is," Kostecky said. "I don't see any drop-off of intensity. Today was the first time we've played at all, and you could see it was competitive. Guys that were not doing well were frustrated, which is good, because they want to do well and they want to compete and they want to win. Guys that were doing well were at a good point and at a good high."

Carbone says the thrill of being back has ratcheted up the level of play in practice.

"It is clear that the intensity level has only improved since being back," Carbone said. "I believe that is in part to us knowing it is a privilege for us to be playing together at all this fall. Many student-athletes aren't even allowed back on campus and we get the incredible opportunity to continue in-person classes while improving as a team. Practices are constantly competitive because we do not want to waste this precious opportunity to get stronger."

Kostecky and assistant coach Jeroen Hofstede have brought in four new players.

"They've all adjusted very well, Kostecky said. "Coach J (Hofstede) talked about how these four guys have already elevated our level. One, is their vast experience playing on the club level. Two, is they're athletic, and three is they're competitive. That, coupled with our talented returning guys, already I see that we've made steps moving forward."

Devine noted that despite the uncertainty surrounding the season, the new players have built a good chemistry with the rest of the team.

"I think for the most part they are fitting in very well," Devine said. "It has been more difficult than usual to get to know the new players because there hasn't been much opportunity outside of practice to bond, but that is expected given the circumstance. However, they are a great group of guys and I think they fit well with the team. They definitely have the skills and the attitude needed to help improve the program and move us forward."

The possibility of an intrasquad scrimmage this fall, and a few Liberty League contests in the spring is keeping the team fired up.

"We're excited to get back out there competitively, even if it's just an intrasquad scrimmage," Knoth said. "There's been talk about possibly some spring games and the guys are excited about that."

"Though the future is uncertain, the games are all any of us are talking about," Carbone said. "We want to win games and build the program, and competing is at the heart of all of that. Everyone has been working very hard this spring and summer and getting stronger. Now that we are back, we are really working to be a top program in the league as soon as competition starts up again."