In the instance of a rebuild, like that of Central Connecticut’s men’s soccer team, leadership is a necessity. One of the sources of leadership comes in the form of graduate-student goalkeeper Carson D’Ambrosio.

After missing his freshman season with a broken leg, D’Ambrosio had a year of eligibility remaining following his senior season, and it was a no-brainer for him to return to CCSU.

“I wanted to keep playing for as long as I can,” he said. “I love this team, I love the school and it was another opportunity for me to continue my education and keep playing soccer for a little longer.”

Returning to the team meant continuing to play with senior defenders Danny Lobello and James Thompkins, who have been teammates of D’Ambrosio’s since he was a kid, including their time at the Oakwood Soccer Club.

“With that chemistry and that experience, we know how everyone plays, how we like to play and where everyone should be. So, the communication flows so much better,” D’Ambrosio said of his relationship with the two defenders.

Entering the 2017 season, D’Ambrosio knew he would be backing up six-year graduate-student goalkeeper Nick Velleca. Though he saw time in some of the season’s early contests, he knew Velleca would be manning the goal during Northeast Conference games.

“I was just going to try and push him and battle him so both of us could be at our best,” D’Ambrosio said.

This all changed during the team’s eighth contest against Columbia, when Velleca tore his ACL, thrusting D’Ambrosio into the starting role.

“I had seen a few games the year before that too, so I was ready. Luckily, I was able to step up when he was out,” D’Ambrosio said.

In the eight games following Velleca’s injury, D’Ambrosio posted two shutouts, with one coming in a crucial season-finale against Bryant.

In that time, D’Ambrosio said it was much easier with Velleca in his corner, and his leadership has inspired him to do the same with the team’s younger players.

“We had a great relationship. We were never at each other’s throat, we just kept encouraging each other and trying to make each other better,” D’Ambrosio said. “He is the perfect example of a leader. I try to be just like him on the field.”

At year’s end, D’Ambrosio will also graduate from the program, turning over his goalie reign to one of four freshmen keepers currently on the roster. He wishes to be a mentor to them, just as his predecessors were to him.

“I try to encourage them. If I have any advice, I give it to them,” he said.

“We’re all going to make mistakes together, we’re all going to grow together. It’s just being there for them. I’m not trying to be a guy that’s yelling at them or being negative with them. I’m trying to be positive and make the team better as a whole. They’re going to have big years to come.”

But with his eyes on this season, D’Ambrosio believes the Blue Devils have the potential to make the NEC playoffs, something they failed to do last season, and says playing well in non-conference games will prepare them to contend.

“If we start off well and start winning in the next couple of weeks, that will set up well for conference games,” he said.

“We’re always in the mix, so making the playoffs is the goal.”