Kyle Dezotell: “While obviously it is bittersweet to be leaving Manhattanville, this was an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up.” (Photo courtesy of Manhattanville College)

PURCHASE, N.Y. – After one season with the Manhattanville College men’s soccer team, head coach Kyle Dezotell has stepped down to take the head coaching job at Ithaca College, director of athletics Keith Levinthal announced Thursday.

“I would like to thank Keith for granting me this opportunity 18 months ago,” Dezotell said in a statement. “I have learned a lot and become a better coach because of this experience at Manhattanville. This is a unique and special place, with athletics being at the forefront of everything good at Manhattanville College.”

Dezotell directed Manhattanville to a 11-7 record last fall, coming short of a MAC Freedom Tournament berth via a tiebreaker despite tying for third place in conference with a 4-3 record.

“Kyle continued to move our men’s soccer program in the right direction this season and leaves the team in a position to achieve greater success next year,” Levinthal said. “We are thankful for his contributions to our department on and off the field and we wish him well in his new position.”

Manhattanville boasted four All-MAC Freedom honorees last year, including two-time MAC Freedom defensive player of the year and National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Region back Christoffer Staahl (Lulea, Sweden/Kungsfaegeln).

“While obviously it is bittersweet to be leaving Manhattanville, this was an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up,” Dezotell said. “I want to thank the student-athletes of the men’s soccer team for trusting in my vision and beliefs and for investing wholeheartedly over the last 18 months. I have been impressed with the response of this current group of student-athletes and know that they have a great chance for success in 2017 and beyond. I have no doubt whatsoever that this program is ready to have one of its best-ever seasons in 2017.”

A national search for the next men’s soccer coach at Manhattanville is already underway.