PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle men's soccer team opens their 2014 season on Sunday at Siena College with their eyes on a fifth straight Atlantic 10 tournament appearance.

"The team's goals always have been to get to the A-10 tournament and do well there," said redshirt senior Andrew Lill.

Despite the loss of nine seniors to graduation last spring, the Explorers still boast a group of experienced returners. Seven Explorers are entering their final season at La Salle, including five who logged significant time for a 2013 team that advanced to the A-10 semifinal last November.

Lill, Pat Sullivan, Nick Becker, Rob Friskey and Tom Baker anchor the group of seniors, having combined for 24 points in 89 games for La Salle last season. That experience coupled with a strong group of younger players could be just the recipe La Salle is looking for this season.

"We have a good mix of players," said Lill. "[We have] a lot of young guys, and we have a good group of older guys who can guide the younger kids and help them get better."

The La Salle men's soccer team has 11 first-year players on their 2014 roster. According to head coach Pat Farrell, there is room for some of the incoming players to contribute to the Explorers success this season. 

"There are some really positive signs out there from some of the newer players," said head coach Pat Farrell. "I think we've come in and we've established a good base line through our fitness level and our ability."

Some other familiar faces should have an even bigger impact at La Salle this season as they benefit from another season of collegiate soccer experience.

Junior Joe Farrell was named MVP of the National Premier Soccer League U-23s Championship game this summer, and has been selected to the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region team in both of his seasons at La Salle. Farrell returns after tallying two goals and five assists as a sophomore in 2013.

Also returning to 20th and Olney for their sophomore seasons are 2013 Soccer 6 All-Rookie team selections Dan Caya and Matt Robinson. Caya was a defensive presence in 17 starts last season while Robinson notched a pair of assists in 14 starts in the midfield as a true freshman.

The Explorers open their season on Sunday, August 31 on the road against the Siena Saints.