Home  Soccer (M) Men's Soccer - 2009 Season Preview
|
|
Men's Soccer - 2009 Season Preview |
|
|
 Tim Olah, who had eight shutouts last season, will start in goal for the fourth straight season.
The team will take on a new look from last year’s squad as they lost seven starters including five of their top seven goal scorers.
If there has been one constant for the Bears in the last four years, it is in goal and senior co-captain Tim Olah will once again be the starter for the fourth straight season. He posted a 1.16 goals against average last season with eight shutouts bringing his career total to 18. Junior Chris Tarbell, sophomore Sean Newmeyer and freshman Will Leffler will all challenge for the backup position.
In front of the keepers, the Bears will have many new faces in defense. The only returning starter is junior Frank Hackett, although senior Matt Izbicki and sophomore Sean Stadig gained valuable experience in reserve last season. They will be joined by sophomores Tony Bareno, Chris Dunn and Dave McNair along with freshman Gregg Kennerley.
It is in the midfield where the Bears have the most experience. Seniors Jake Larsen, who had six goals and six assists last season and Brandon McMillan (two goals, four assists) will lead the group. Junior Matt Zangle and sophomore Brett Godiksen will attack from the wide positions. In addition, sophomore Kevin Noll and junior newcomer Brett Huntley will look to solidify the defensive central midfield position.
The Bears will look to a young group of strikers to produce goals this season. The only returning goal scorer is co-captain Nick Devine, who had six goals and one assist last season. He will be joined by senior Spencer Ross and sophomores Anthony Walker and Peter Kelly.
“The team is very excited and determined to get better and better as the season progresses,” said head coach Chris Parsons, in his eighth season. “The team is young, but talented. If we mature quickly as a group, we will be a very difficult team to play against come tournament time.”
|
|