Coach Benn

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:       

Bunting Field (500)

Michael Benn (Lehigh University, 1995)

xx

First year

0-0-0

6-10-2; 2-6-2 (10th- place)

XX

XX

Overview:

East Carolina returns its top four scorers from last season and an experienced goalie. The team is picked to finish 10^th out of 11 teams, but that is not diminishing internal expectations to make a run at the conference title this year. Only six teams will make it and the top teams in the league are incredibly talented. However, the Pirates learned a great deal about themselves in 2001 in wins over North Carolina State (first ever), new rival Charlotte, and a 2-0 win over UAB, which at the time was ranked in the top 15 in the country.

On the Attack:
Junior forwards Joe Ellington, Josh Foltz, and Brian Deutsch are all capable goal-scorers for ECU, giving the team multiple options from all over the frontline. Ellington ranked among the conference scoring leaders a year ago after leading the Pirates in scoring with seven goals and three assists for 17 points. Deutsch and Foltz each finished the season with 12 points with Deutsch tallying five goals and Foltz with four. Deutsch scored goals in each of the two ECU exhibition wins and Ellington also tallied. A trio of sophomores – Andy Tabor, Dutch Lowy, and Sean Harris - will provide depth up front.

In Transition:

Sophomore Reed Averen, who scored 10 points a year ago, gives the Pirates another offensive weapon, but out of the midfield. Junior Clyde Simms is back as well along with sophomore Jay Ingram and newcomer freshmen Mike McClain to give the Pirates a solid group in the central midfield. Juniors Robert Lane and Mike Logan will provide depth.

In the Back:
A pair of defenders return to the lineup to give the Pirates experience in the core of the backline. Junior Dave Broyles, and sophomore Pat Cutler are back and joined by talented freshman Dave Rowe. Juniors J.R. Lewis and  Blake Johnson and sophomores Ryan Bostian and Terron Amos will provide depth.

Between the Pipes:

Goalkeeper R.J. Marvinney returns in goal for the Pirates. Last season, Marvinney led C-USA with 6.00 saves per game and was third in the league in total saves (108) and in shutouts (6). Freshmen Corey Shea and Nick Tarkany will provide backup.

Roster:

Coach Getman

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:                 

West Campus Field (2,500)

Mike Getman (Indiana, 1982)

Justus Griffin (UAB), David Giffard (MacMurray College '97)

16th year

135-74-12

9-7-3; 4-4-2 (6th place)

XX

XX

Tied at UAB, 1-1 on Sep. 28, 2002

Overview:

There is a clear reason why this year’s edition of the University of Alabama-Birmingham soccer team is picked to win the Conference-USA title in 2002 – talent and loads and loads of it. It is difficult to find a weak spot in the entire lineup with a bonafide all-star up front and a rising, but proven, all-star in the net. Coach Getman admits that this group is probably the most talent ever assembled at UAB and his players are motivated to ensure that they deliver. And the nation has taken note, as the Blazers are ranked 15^th in nation heading into the season. Goalkeeper Clint Baumstark, forward Flavio Monteiro and midfielder Marin Pusek are preseason All-League selections and 15 experienced and talented lettermen return this season. Anything less than another run to the title game this year would be unacceptable – and unlikely for that matter – for this club.

On the Attack:
Up front, UAB is an attack monster. Monteiro (7 goals, 5 assists), a senior, has scored 23 goals in 29 career matches, putting among the nation’s most dangerous forwards. His career has been shortened due to a rash of injuries, however, but he is 100-percent healthy this season and looking to improve on his 2001 numbers. Pusek (2 goals, 2 assists), a junior, also returns after being selected as first team All-South and second team all-conference in 2001. Also back from injury is senior forward Mike Garcia who, in 2000, started all 21 games for the Blazers and led the team with six assists. Speedy Jabas Carlos (2 goals, assist) was big impact freshman last season and should contribute even greater this season.

In Transition:

The midfield is also deep and talented. Pusek, who also plays in the midfield is the most dangerous and talented. Joining Pusek in the midfield will be Nnamdi Ngwe who had a breakthrough season in 2001. Ngwe (4 goals, 4 assists) is a big-time playmaker who is not afraid to pull the trigger. Bubba Garcia will move up to play midfield this season after producing enough to earn third team all-conference honors a year ago. Rogerio Oliveira returns from a freshman campaign from which he made an immediate impact to earn a spot on C-USA’s all-freshman team. He played in all 21 games for the Blazers, and led all UAB freshmen by starting 13 matches. Senior Jonathan Weimer will help solidify the midfield. Mikey Spitzer is another midfielder who will be an impact player for the Blazers. Spitzer competed in 20 matches in 2001, starting five. He tallied two goals, two assists and six points during the season. J.R. Kenny, Chris O’Neal and newcomers Robert Sheringham and Sandy Gbandi are all skilled athletes who will provide even more proven depth.

In the Back:
The defensive third unit for UAB may arguably, on paper, be one of the best in the nation. Anchored by senior Jermie Frankson (goal, assist) and a now healthy Tony McManus, coming off a medical redshirt, the Blazers will be tough to score on. Frankson may be the best one on one defender in the country and McManus who brings a tremendous amount of leadership and speed. Kareem Morgan comes off of 21 starts last season while Sam Jones and Amechi Ngwe will compete for playing time. Newcomers Dennis Umanzor and Gbandi are both talented enough to see action and will add depth to the defensive corps.

Between the Pipes:
Baumstark, as a freshman in the net, garnered C-USA Freshman of the Year, Soccer America third team All-American and under 20 National Team selections. He set a school record for shutouts in a season with nine, and finds himself in the top 10 of several goalkeeping categories. His resume speaks for his abilities. Keith Borgner, a freshman, will provide backup.

Outlook:

The Blazers have won the past three years with great chemistry and talent. This year’s team should be one of the most talented in school history. The team has speed, skill, experience and depth. Talented newcomers mixed with veterans who have been to the big-time and can help pass the experience along. Combine that with one of the most talented players in the nation in Monteiro and all the pieces appear to be in place for another successful season. There will be no excuses for this team if it is not a top-20 program and fails to make a challenge for a national title.

Coach Tart

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:

TransAmerica Field

John Tart (Furman, 1981)

Kelly Findley (Judson, 1991); Kevin O'Brien ( Charleston, 1997)

21st year

221-155-35

9-7-2, 4-5-1 (7th place)

XX

XX

Won at ECU, 1-0 on Sept. 15, 2002

Overview:

The 49ers enter the 2002 season with high aspirations. Charlotte coach John Tart enters his eighth season at Charlotte with 16 returning letterwinners and nine starters off last season’s team which reached the semifinals of the Conference USA Tournament. The team is rich in talent and has a reputation for always competing in the upper echelon of the league. It should be no different in 2002.

On the Attack:
Up front the 49ers are adjusting to unexpected life without two-time all-CUSA forward Juan Munoz-Airey, who is redshirting due a summer knee injury. Nonetheless, Charlotte will have still be strong up front with Mira Mupier and senior Chris Wargin. The two combined to score 14 of Charlotte’s 28 goals last season. Senior Mazen Al-Tayeh, a walkon last season, will also be counted on to provide a scoring punch up front. Mupier, who earned All-Conference USA freshman team honors last season, led the 49ers in goals with nine. Wargin (5 goals) enters his senior campaign with 11 career goals. He led Charlotte to the Big Four Classic title last season with game-winning goals against NC State and Duke.

In Transition:

The midfield is the deepest position on the team with seniors Rob Evitts and Tim Flavin, juniors David Costa and Brett Baker, sophomore George Sheppard along with freshmen Sean Flanagan, Floyd Franks, Coleman Hall and Sean Zubick. Evitts, a team captain for the second year, started all but one of the 49ers’ games last season and is very offensively involved. Flavin (6 career goals) is a reliable flank midfielder. Costa is used to coming off the bench and provides non-stop energy on the field. Baker is a technically sound player off Charlotte’s bench. Sheppard (3 goals) earned All-Conference USA freshman team honors in 2001. He scored three goals including two against Conference USA foe TCU.

In the Back:
The defense rests in the capable legs of seven returning players and a newcomer. Seniors Shane Carew, a two-time All-Conference USA selection, and J.J. Huffhines, juniors Joe Lampert and Mike Trinitapoli and sophomores Omar Belkhiter and Joel Wisdo all played an integral part in limiting 12 opponents last season to a goal or less. Newcomer John Nabers, a freshman, is expected to contribute immediately to the 49ers defense.  Carew is the anchor in central defense. Lampert, a former All-Conference USA freshman team member, has been a starter from day one and is a team tri-captain. Wisdo, also a captain, became one of the team’s leaders last season after recovering from a knee injury that caused him to miss the 2000 season.    Trinitapoli has seen action in 29 games in his first two seasons at Charlotte. Belkhiter saw action in 16 games with seven starts as a freshman. He collected an assist on the game-winning goal against DePaul last season. Nabers was named San Antonio’s Player of the Year as a senior at Ronald Reagan High School.        

Between the Pipes:
Lucas Mackanos is formidly solidified as the netminder after garnering All-Conference USA honors. Redshirt freshmen Josh Beachem and Daniel Burk provide the 49ers with quality depth at goalkeeper. Last season, Mackanos played every minute of the 49ers’ season in goal becoming the first Charlotte keeper to accomplish that feat since Jon Busch’s All-America season in 1996. Mackanos earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week honors three times en route to earning second-team All-Conference USA honors. Burk had seven shutouts and a 0.82 goals against average as a high school senior at Dulth, Georgia’s St. Francis High School in 2000. Beachem was named the Mideastern 4-A Conference Player of the Year as a senior at North Carolina’s Jacksonville High School in 2000.

Outlook:

The 49ers face another tough schedule in 2002. The non-conference schedule is highlighted by games against regional rivals Davidson, Duke, NC State and South Carolina. The Conference USA schedule features battles against 10 teams that have made 17 NCAA Tournament appearances in the seven-year history of the league, including Saint Louis, UAB and South Florida, who made the 2001 Tournament. The 49ers enter the 2002 season in search of their sixth NCAA Tournament appearance. Strong on-field leaders and a good blend of talented newcomers and reliable veterans will enable Charlotte to make a run at the league once again in 2002.

Coach Dayes

Home Field:

Surface:

Coach:

Assistants:  

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:

Meyers Field (500)

Field Turf

Hylton Dayes (Wright State, 1988)

Greg Bowman (Wheaton '94)

3rd year

114-101-25 (18 years)

11-8-2, 5-4-1 (5th place)

XX

XX

Won at home, 2-0 on Oct. 27, 2002

Overview:

After a rough start to the first season under the tutelage of Hylton Dayes, the Cincinnati men’s soccer team rebounded and built a strong foundation for the future by last season’s end. The Bearcats posted a 6-4-1 mark over their final 11 contests to secure the program’s seventh consecutive trip to the Conference USA Tournament. With nine starters returning from that team, expectations are even higher for the Bearcats in 2002. A youth movement was a big part of Cincinnati’s 2001 campaign, as 12 players, including six freshmen, started their first match in a Bearcat uniform. With a year of development under their belts, the young team can look forward to big things this fall.
On the Attack:
Up front, Cincy is deep in talent. Sophomore Wiremu Patrick (5 goals, 2 assits), a former New Zealand star, earned C-USA All-Freshman Team honors last fall as the team’s third leading scorer. He may combine with junior Jeremiah Gallegos (goal, 3 assists), last season’s most valuable player. Gallegos may benefit from returning to his natural forward position after playing in the midfield last year. Sophomore Matt Hayden should also see extended minutes at forward after a strong spring season. Depth up front figures to come from a trio of untested yet talented players. Redshirt freshman Jarrett Devereaux and true freshmen Justin Lewis and Preston Talbert should add punch. Devereaux is an explosive player who lost all of last season to a foot injury. Lewis and Talbert are both promising freshman.
In Transition:

Three of last season’s four starters in the midfield return. Senior tri-captain Scott Lyons (4 goals, 2 assists) enters his fourth year as a starter and fellow tri-captain, junior Tim Brown, returns to his natural position at central midfield after spending last year in the back. Brown is a tough defender who should also contribute on the offensive end. Both of last year’s outside midfield starters are back following solid freshman campaigns. Sophomore John Liersemann (4 goals, 5 assists) is an offensive-minded flanker and he will go opposite of Josh Gardner (3 goals, 4 assists), one of only three Bearcats to start all 19 matches last fall. A solid mix of players will battle for playing time behind them, including senior Sean Connor, who is the most experienced of the group.

In the Back:
The Bearcats return two of last season’s starters along the backline and also welcome back two-year starter and team tri-captain Anders Cedergren, who returns this season after a freak injury in the preseason cost him 2001. Talented brothers Brandon and Justin Dobbs are also back following their first year as starters last fall. Brandon earned second team All-Ohio honors last fall, starting 18 matches and tallying his first career goal and Justin also started 18 matches in 2001, totaling one goal and one assist.
Junior Tom Weable is likely to earn the last starting berth. Junior college transfer Tom Chambers should also challenge for playing time.

Between the Pipes:
After earning C-USA All-Freshman honors in 2000, Sacha Nathu returned to the net in 2001 to start 12 games. Nathu began the season as the back-up net minder before taking over the starting nod after seven matches. He responded with four shutouts during his time in net. While Nathu appears to be the starter, he can expect challenges from junior John Adams and freshman Mike Vessells. Adams saw much quality time in the net during the spring season and gained lots of confidence. It could be just a matter of time before Vessells cracks the UC lineup, but the big question will be how quick he adjusts to the college game.
Outlook:

The Bearcats, if nothing else, should be able to score plenty of goals in 2002. The lineup is strong enough to make an assault on the upper tier of teams in the league. The Bearcats have proven scorers and a proven backline. The team needs to start making home a favored venue and improve on a .500 record at home. If the Bearcats can make home a sure win, then the team can start getting excited about its NCAA prospects. Expect to see Cincinnati in the C-USA tournament.

Roster:

No.

Name

Pos.

Ht.

Wt.

Class

Hometown

Coach Colavecchia

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:

Cardinal Park (2,500)

Tony Colavecchia (St. Paul’s College – England, 1980)

Dale Helfrich (Brescia, 1992); Jeremy Morales (Louisville, 2000)

15th year

156-132-22

9-11-2, 6-3-1 (3rd place)

XX

XX

Lost at ECU, 3-2 on Oct. 6, 2002

Overview:

The Cardinals returning talent is well-distributed throughout the field. However, the players expected to fill in the holes in the starting lineup have experience, but little proven experience. The goal, particular, is up for grab between a player who got in just four games and an unproven talent coming off a broken leg. This year’s team is built around all-CUSA performer in the midfield in Adrian Cann, a Canadian who was the team’s Most Valuable Player as a sophomore. There is a good goal scoring combination up front and a strong defender to anchor the back as the Cardinals attempt to move up from the middle of the conference pack.

On the Attack:
Seniors Simon Bird and Courtenay Commander form a solid scoring combination up front. Bird, a native of England, led the team a year ago with 11 goals and an assist while Commander, a Canadian, added 2 goals and 5 assists. Bird has a knack for the finish, having tallied game-winners in four games and Commander has the touch on the setup ball. Bryan Elkan (2 goals) looks to become more involved this season. Nathan Stephens (2 goals, assist) will also contribute up front.

In Transition:

The heart of team is junior Adrian Cann, a returning starter who garnered 1^st team all-CUSA honors a year ago following all-freshman honors his first year. He was the team Most Valuable Player and tallied one assist in 2001. Fellow-Canadian Devin Matthews (assist) saw action in 11 games a year ago and is expected to step into a more regular role as is Justin Pierre, of the Cayman Islands, who saw action in 11 games as a true freshman. Matthew Rose, selected as most improved in 2001, will also see action.

In the Back:
A pair of returning starters anchor the backline for Louisville. T.J. Newberg (goal) was the team’s defensive MVP and is a co-captain this season. Cameron Payne also returns to solidify the back. Andrew Hippert, a midfielder/defender, saw plenty of action a year ago and Bryan Wells also brings experience off the bench.

Between the Pipes:
Junior David Gisler (1.13 gaa) brings all of four games of experience into this season while his main competition will be sophomore Brian Schoenbein, who spent last year sidelined with a broken leg.

Outlook:

The goalkeeping situation may prove to be the ingredient that makes or breaks Louisville’s bid to climb the conference ladder. It is likely that Gisler will be adequate, but with the offensive weapons in C-USA, it will take more than adequate. Depth is going to be a big determinant for the Cardinals. Louisville should be able to hold its own in the pack, but is not deep enough to make the move to elite level in the league.

No.

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Ht.

Wt.

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Hometown

Coach Donigan

Home Field:

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Career Record:

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Letterwinners Ret/Lost:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:

Robert R. Hermann Stadium (6,050)

Dan Donigan (Connecticut, 1989)

Mike Sorber (Saint Louis, 1992)

3rd year

33-6-2

15-4-2, 7-2-1 (2nd place)

10/8

6

Won at home, 6-0 on Nov. 9, 2002

Overview:

Ranked 11^th in the preseason soccer poll, the Billikens are out to capture the best of hat tricks – a third-straight Conference-USA championship. The team lost to All-Americans in Dipsy Slolwane and Brad Davis, but a battle-tested core of tournament veterans returns to carry on the quest. Senior midfielder Jack Jewsbury was the C-USA player of the year and the team also welcomes back fellow all-conference selectee defender Jason Cole. Add to these leaders a core of highly-touted newcomers and the Billikens are simply reloading for another title run.

On the Attack:
Senior Nick Walls has been waiting to step into the spotlight and will be counted on now as the main threat up frong. Walls (3 goals, 4 assists) was named the Most Valuable Forward at the 2000 tournament and is ready to carry the load this season. A true freshman in Kyle Hopson – a spectacular goal scorer on the prep level – has a shot at lining up beside Walls.  Senior Loren Reinhardt gave the team valuable minutes at forward last season before having to move into the midfield after injuries thinned the ranks.

In Transition:

Jack Jewsbury (7 goals, 7 assists) is a highly-skilled midfielder with a keen ability to find twine or layoff the deft assist. He will control the middle of the field and set the attack. Few in the league can handle this player. Freshman Patrick Garcia has the pedigree to lineup alongside of Jewsbury in the role of attacking midfielder. Senior Mike Kirchhoff (4 goals, 2 assists) is back as the lead defensive midfielder and brings a tenacious style with him. Complimenting Kirchhoff is junior Nick Gannon, who has a penchant for the slide tackle. Freshman Ryan Wileman is expected to add to the depth. One flank midfielder expected to contribute is junior Andy Pusateri, a two-year starter.

In the Back:
All-Conference first-teamer Jason Cole returns. Cole, a senior, is one of the premier defenders in the country with incredible speed and athleticism. He draws all the toughest marks and has a knack for shutting down scorers. Added a welcome boost is the return of 2000 Most Valuable Defender at the C-USA Tournament, Joe Hammes. Hammes is a confident defender who is exceptional at playing the long ball. He generally sets the physical tone for the Billikens. Two juniors – speedster Johnny Williams and technician Danny Flynn – will provide depth.

Between the Pipes:
If there is a question mark for the Billikens, it’s between the pipes. Senior Travis Kamm had it covered until he suffered a knee injury in the spring, leaving the team uncertain in the net. Now Kamm is in a battle for the position with redshirt freshman Jeff Sackman. Freshman Pat Kelly, at 6-1, also will factor in for playing time.

Outlook:

Saint Louis expects to capitalize on a mix of exceptional experience and highly-touted potential. If the veterans can refine the newcomer quickly and be the leaders the team expects, then Saint Louis will make another, business-as-usual run at the league title. Opening up at the Nike Classic at Chapel Hill will let the Billikens know right out of the gate what to expect for the remainder of the slate. In the end, expect Saint Louis to be atop the standings in Conference-USA.

No.

Name

Pos.

Ht.

Wt.

Class

Hometown

Coach Adlard

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:

Valley Fields (1,750)

Steve Adlard (Loughborough, 1972)

Barry Bimbi, Jim Welch (Marquette, 2001)

19th year

173-147-27

10-8-1, 7-2-1 (C-USA Champions)

XX

XX

Tied at ECU, 0-0 on Nov. 3, 2002

Overview:

At the conclusion of the 2001 season, expectations for the upcoming year were high. A 12-8-1 season in 2001 left the Golden Eagles hungry for the NCAA Tournament. Wins over a pair of top-25 teams and a goals against average of under 1.00 were great credentials for the field of 48, but the team was left out upon the announcement of the tournament. With the disappointment of 2001 lingering, the Golden Eagles are focused on returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997. In a difficult conference with a pair of perennial top 10 teams, Marquette is picked fourth in the preseason by the league’s coaches. Last season, three teams from C-USA advanced to the NCAA Tournament. This year, the Golden Eagles are out to be a part of that field.

On the Attack:

The Golden Eagle midfield was responsible for much of the scoring, but a pair of front line players showed goal scoring ability last year. Junior Derek Gutierrez (5 goals, 6 assists) will be the team’s main scoring threat in 2002. Senior Eric Marshall tied for the team lead in goals last season, showing he has an ability to score. He had just one career goal prior to last season, and this year, he will be expected to be a major contributor to the offense. Sophomore Danny Mullin and junior John Hawkins scored a combined one point last season. With the heavy reliance on the midfield for scoring, Mullin and Hawkins won’t necessarily need to increase their scoring ability, but an increase will be welcome. Also, an increase in production will increase their playing time.

In Transition:

The Golden Eagles will have to rebuild a decimated midfield. The Golden Eagles’ leading scorer last year, Sean Reti, will be replaced in part by sophomore Chris Lee (7 goals, 5 assists). Lee, an all-freshman team selection last year, got off to a quick start. He scored three goals in his first three matches. He had his fifth strike before the end of September. He was the leading goal scorer and shot maker, but he only had two goals in October and November. Junior Tony Walby will also be expected to shoulder the burden. Senior Bryan Godfrey (4 goals, 3 assists) returns to fill his starting role. Senior Mike Robards (5 assists) is one of the most physical players in the conference and returns. Junior Matt Darby got plenty of PT last season and will add depth.

In the Back:

Senior Steve Lawrence, junior Andy Wagner and senior Tom Nolan return to provide a seasoned, savvy group of veterans on the backline. Lawrence earned a second-team all-conference status as the team’s physical stopper. Lawrence’s defensive counterpart Nolan is an imposing threat at 6-foot-4, and the other back, Wagner, is the model of steady play. Sophomore Zach McCallum will support off the bench. Junior Theran Motl also proved to be a solid man off the bench and a talented quintet of freshmen add depth to the defense.

Between the Pipes:

The defining statistic last season was its goals against average. The defense held its opponents to 20 goals in 21 matches. Junior goalkeeper Adam Ubert was largely responsible. Ubert was fourth in the league in shutouts and was fifth in the conference in saves. His goals against average is a mere 0.95 and his save total was 81. Ubert will be mentoring freshman Richie Ilk in the net.

Outlook:

The Conference USA schedule itself is daunting for Marquette. The Golden Eagles will face national power Saint Louis at home in the second match of the season and will be a good barometer to how well MU will finish in conference play. MU also has preseason league favorite UAB at home in late October. The Golden Eagles also get South Florida at home. MU will play in a difficult non-conference tournament in Washington. MU will play NCAA tournament teams Portland and Washington as part of a difficult September. MU will also play traditional rivals Evansville, Wis.-Milwaukee,Wis.-Green Bay and Wisconsin. The team is loaded with talent, however, and expects to be in the run for the title once again.

Coach Gant

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:

Mike Rose Soccer Complex (3,000)

Richie Gant (Green Mountain Valley College, 1993)

Paul Conway (Lambuth University, 2000); Ryan Shea (Viterbo College, 1999); Troy Norwood (Memphis, 1989)

5th year

37-33-3

10-7-1, 3-7-0 (9th place)

XX

XX

Won at ECU, 2-1 (OT) on Oct. 11, 2002

Overview:

A sophomore and freshmen-laden roster doesn’t bode well for Memphis heading into the 2002 season. Granted, the talent is in the youth and a serious scorer did surface last season, but how much punch this team has is a question mark. Defensively, the team has experience, but if it is under constant pressure, it will be difficult for the Tigers to improve on last season’s league mark of 3-6-1. The road was unkind to the Tigers as they managed just one overall victory away from Tennessee.

On the Attack:

Sophomore Matt Bryant, as a true freshman last season, posted one of the most prolific freshman campaigns in Tiger history. An incredible finisher, Bryant ranked third on the club in goals (6) and points (17) and was rated among C-USA’s top-10 in assists (5) and assists per game (0.33) and all of this was mostly in a support role off the bench. Fellow sophomore Reid Greenslade, a speedy forward with good touch and skill, is also a solid finisher with ability to create. Though a scorer in his own right, Greenslade will look to be the setup man for Bryant. 

In Transition:

Sophomore Peter Cummings, uses his speed to support the Tigers’ attack out of the midfield. Cummings holds possession well under pressure and as a true freshman, he appeared in every single contest to finish ranked second among fellow rookies with eight starts. Also in the middle, Daniel Dobson, a tall, lanky sophomore, is tough in the air and is versatile enough to slide to the backline if needed. Senior Kirk Ricketts has been an impact reserve for the past three seasons. Dusty Brezovsky is a speedy winger with good feel for the game. John Reilley is an intelligent midfielder who understands the game and is a creative playmaker on offense. Riley finished ranked second among fellow returnees in goals (2), assists (2), points (6) and shots (15).

In the Back:

In the back, three-year starter senior Chris Schmidt returns and is the team captain this season. He is the clear leader in the back. Sophomore Justin Dyer returns to his starting position to anchor the defense. As a true freshman, Dyer was one of only two players to appear in every single match and also posted 16 starts. Daren Bevard, a redshirt-senior, is a tall, physical defender with good awareness. Also on the backline is sophomore Jake German. German is a tough player who was the first defender off the bench. Graham Gibbs, a junior, is the Tigers’ most physical and intimidating defensive presence

Between the Pipes:
The Tigers’ top goalie, junior Clark Talley, returns for a third-straight year between the posts. He is the team’s vocal leader in the back with a flare for the big save. Talley ranked among the league’s top-10 in goals against average with 2.07.

Outlook:

Memphis’ youth movement is likely a year or two away from making big noise in the league. The team has trouble on the road. The team must grow up quickly, take advantage of any and all breaks, and sneak up quite a few teams if they expect to get a few extra wins this season.

Coach Blazer

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:

Wish Field

Craig Blazer (Xavier, 1991)

Jeff  Coelho (DePaul, 1998); Joe Ahearn (DePaul, 1999)

2nd year

11-22-4

8-9-2, 4-6-0 (8th place)

XX

XX

Lost at ECU, 2-1 on Sept. 20, 2002

Overview:

DePaul will be looking to improve on its 3-13-1 record from last year. However, the Blue Demons will have to do much of that improvement on the road to begin the year with their first nine contests away from home. The road was not kind to the Blue Demons a year ago as the squad one just one game. The team has some talent, but probably not enough to make any real movement out of the league cellar. The team is strongest in the forward third of the field.

On the Attack:

Sophomore Luke Rojo was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team last year afater he tied for the team high with three assists during the season. He scored his lone goal of the season in 2-0 victory at Loyola-Chicago. Rojo is solid shooter and not afraid to take the shot. He was third on the club with 18 shots. Senior Ed Kiefer, second on the club with nine points on three goals and three assists, started 17 of 18 matches played.

In Transition:

Junior Bob Kruse was the only player to start all 18 matches for DePaul in 2001. He scored first collegiate goal in 3-1 win at TCU and registered assists at Northern Illinois and against East Carolina. Sophomore Claudio Ferre saw action in 15 of 18 matches while starting 14 times. Junior Jonathon Foley, a member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll started 13 times while playing in 17 of 18 matches a year ago. Sophomore Anthony Minnitti, also a member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll and DePaul's Dean's List, saw loads of action last season and will look to start.

In the Back:
Junior Casey Carr returns to man a backline position as does Pat Vynke, a sophomore. Vynke played in 10 matches while starting once and scored his first collegiate goal at Memphis. True freshmen will be counted on to fill out the backline.

Between the Pipes:
Goalkeeper Jeff Klitzke returns after finishing among the league leaders in saves (45) and saves per game (4.50). Kiltzke also recorded seven shutouts. Sophomore Brian Allen will backup.
Outlook:

DePaul will be hard-pressed to surpass anyone this season to get out of the league basement. With very few stars and a short roster, the challenge will be daunting. There is just enough talent to make for some exciting games with some of the other lower tier teams, but when the big teams roll in, it could be tough for DePaul.