Two Penn State men’s soccer veterans will don the captain’s armband this fall. Seth Kuhn and Peter Mangione have been named team captains for the 2022 season, the team announced Thursday.

Kuhn, a fifth-year graduate student, and junior Mangione will lead the Nittany Lions into their fall campaign, following a historic 2021 season. Penn State clinched its first Big Ten double by winning both the Big Ten regular-season title and tournament under the leadership of Kuhn and Mangione last fall.

In regards to the two captains, Penn State men’s soccer head coach Jeff Cook felt strongly that the two will shift seamlessly into the role after stepping up in last year’s spring training. Both Kuhn and Mangione served as vice-captains last season and earned Cook’s support and trust.

“I think we made some of those transitions in the spring, following the loss of some outstanding players and leaders in the shape of Pierre Reedy and Brandon Hackenberg,” Cook said. “They were key to this program. It took a little adjusting, but we made some great strides in the spring and the guys have really stepped into leadership roles.”

On the stat sheet, both Kuhn and Mangione are true standouts. Last season, Kuhn started in all 21 games, tallied 18 goals, and recorded a team-high eight assists from his central midfield position. The Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, native was drafted to the New York Red Bulls in January but chose to use his extra year of eligibility in Happy Valley.

Kuhn is no stranger to accolades throughout his four years as a Nittany Lion. Just this past season, Kuhn picked up Big Ten Offensive Player of the Tournament recognition, in addition to earning spots on the All-Big Ten second team and Big Ten All-Tournament team.

In a similar story, Mangione’s sophomore season was one for the books. The midfield/forward hybrid racked up seven goals and four assists, including four game-winning goals.

Mangione also received Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors and earned spots on the All-Big Ten first team and Big Ten All-Tournament team alongside Kuhn. On Thursday, the junior was also named to the MAC Hermann Award Trophy watch list by the United Soccer Coaches. The award recognizes the nation’s top division one soccer players.

The two captains will kick off their season at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, at Jeffrey Field against Rhode Island. The season-opening game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.