Aleksinas is a candidate to start in goal. Last year, he made a season-high seven saves against San Francisco in the season opener and also played a half in Yale''s shutouts of Sacred Heart and Hartford. As a sophomore, Aleksinas played every minute of every game and was second in the Ivy League in shutouts (7) and third in goals against average (1.04). After posting shutouts against both UConn and Harvard he was named the Ivy League Player of the Week. He had a season-high six saves on three occasions and was the recipient of the Frank Dunne Award as the most improved player. Aleksinas had a fine freshman season. He was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week after making seven saves and blanking Brown. His other victory came when he played the final 32:31 and did not allow a goal against Alabama A&M. At the Taft School, he was an All-New England selection. Taft reached the semifinals of the New England Tournament. Aleksinas also was a member of the South Carolina state team in 1997 and 98. His twin brother, Marc, played soccer at Vanderbilt. QUOTING TOMPKINS: "Matt''s determination and drive will enhance our team along with his toughness and courage. His experience will be an asset to our young defenders and will make him a starting candidate in goal."