Coach Benn

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Bunting Field (500)

Michael Benn (Lehigh University '95)

Chad Halverson

First year

0-0-0

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

15

9

Overview:

The Pirates return nine starters from last season. Unfortunately, their experience was tied to a 6-10-2 season and a 10th-place finish in the competitive C-USA. But, new head coach Michael Benn is very positive heading into the 2003 season. Not because he expects to completely reverse last season, but more so because he thinks his players need change work ethic and discipline to become a more competitive program in '03. The team returns its top scorers and the backbone of its central and back lines. The departure of TCU from varsity soccer in the league, landed the Pirates dead last in the C-USA predictions for this year...which should give the Pirates plenty of motivation. If his players respond and the incoming freshman can contribute right away, the Pirates may give some teams fits this season.

Simms returns to captain this year's Pirates.

On the Attack:
Up front, the Pirates return one of the league's top scorers in senior Brian Deutsch (6 goals, 7 assists). Deutsch piled up 36 points in his last two season and appears primed to challenge for the league scoring title if he gets the support needed to collect tallies. Senior Joe Ellington (3 goals) returns and should be more involved in the mix after seeing his playing time diminish significantly in last season after being among the league leaders in scoring as a sophomore. Junior Josh Foltz (goal) also brings experience back to the lineup. Benn and his forwards are very excited about freshman Chris Mobley, a highly talented attacker from Swansboro who comes from good bloodlines as his older brother Ricky Mobley was an all-America at Campbell and played for Milwaukee in the Indoor professional leagues. The front should be strong and deep.

In Transition:

The midfield is built around captain Clyde Simms (3 goals), a player that Benn calls "one of the best players in the conference with a chance to play professionally after college." He will be working in the midfield with fellow senior Michael Logan (3 goals, 6 assists) and juniors Reed Avren (2 goals, 7 assists), an offensive-minded, set-up artist who will be expected to feed the attack, and Matt Kowaleski, who got little playing time last year but is primed for more this season. Incoming frosh, Adam Combs, Mark Djurovski, Calvin Simon, and Jeremy Williams should all compete for immediate playing time. The combination of incoming players and veterans make this group the deepest in recent years.

In the Back:
Senior David Broyles (2 goals, 2 assists) and juniors Pat Cutler, Terron Amos, and Rob Cann round out a veteran back line. Sophomore David Rowe (assist), whom Been believes could develop into one of the league's top central defenders, also returns to the the lineup. This group is heavy on experience and is the group to keep a close watch on because they are likely to determine the team's ultimate success as they are charged with keeping the heat off of their freshmen goalies.

Between the Pipes:

Freshmen Brian Pope and Chris Hicks are both likely to see time in the net this season, unless one of them clearly separates himself from the other as the tandem hopes to live up to the legacy of play that departed goalkeeper R.J. Marvinney provided. Pope comes in with the more transferrable talent to the college game, but depending on how the two soak in the next level will determine the playing time schedule.

Coach Getman

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West Campus Field (2,500)

Mike Getman (Indiana '82)

Justus Griffin (UAB '94), David Giffard (MacMurray College '97)

16th year

135-74-12

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

12

7

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

Overview:

There are mixed emotions in the UAB soccer program. After a bitterly disappointing 2002 season where hte team, picked to win it all, finished a disappointing sixth place in the league. However, the team is confident that it is fielding one of the most talented teams in the league in 2003. Already garnering national respect entering the season ranked No. 28 and touting a top-25 recruiting class, the Blazers are hyping up for the upcoming year. The biggest question will be whether or not the seven returning starters can let their playing earn their recognition rather than letting their egos assume victories will come because they are expected. Last year's miserable lesson should stave off that outcome. The Blazers should be the team everyone expects them to be this time around. Finding an ample replacement for goalie Clint Baumstark will be difficult. The star keeper left school early for the professional ranks.

Spitzer returns to roam the UAB midfield in '03.

On the Attack:
The Blazers return a formidable attack, starting with senior Jose Rayo (2 goals, 3 assists) and junior Jarbas Carlos. Rayo is the top finisher and Carlos, as well as Angelo Thompson, have experience. Big things are expected from incoming freshman Jerson Monteiro, the younger brother of former star Flavio, the Blazers' leading scorer last season. 

In Transition:

The UAB midfield is where the bulk of talent returns and that talent is offensive-minded. The attack stems from the central midfield from the feet of Marin Pusek (2 goals, 7 assists) and Mikey Spitzer (3 goals, 4 assists). The two are among the league's best middies and look to take the attack to their opponents. Former forward turned midfielder Nnamdi Ngwe (2 goals, 2 assists) will also settle into a slot in midfield as will returning starters Oswaldo Gallegos (2 goals, assist) and Rogerio Oliveira (goal, 3 assists). The depth of the unit is incredible with support coming from oft-starter Chris O'Neal (2 goals, 2 assists).

In the Back:
The defensive third unit for UAB is again a strong unit. Starters and mainstays Tony McManus and Kareem Morgan (3 assists) will lead the backliners along with regulars Sam Jones and Amechi Ngwe. Also back with plenty of playing time a year ago are Dennis Umanzor and Robert Sheringham. The unit is aggressive and dependable. It may not be as strong as last season, but the drop off will not be noticeable to opposing attacks.

Between the Pipes:
Looking to fill Baumstark's shoes may be a bit of a stretch, but sophomore Keith Borgner (5 saves, 1.15 gaa in four appearances) could turn out to be a solid everyday goalie. Borgner, who has great size at 6-5,  was good in limited action a year ago. Sophomore Alberto Robles and freshman Jeremy Drake will compete for backup action.

Outlook:

The Blazers look to rebound from last year's disappointment. The team is talented across the board and if Rayo can find twine this season and if Borgner can be the man in the net, then the Blazers should find themselves every bit one of the teams to beat in C-USA this year! With seven of the first 10 games at home on West Campus Field, the Blazers should be able to build some momentum heading into the league slate. Look for this team to be among the elite this year.

Coach Tart

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TransAmerica Field

John Tart (Furman '81)

Kelly Findley (Judson '91); Kevin O'Brien ( Charleston '97), Scott Schweitzer

21st year

221-155-35

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

14

6

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

Overview:

The 49ers are being picked to finish in the mid-to-bottom of the C-USA pack in 2003 and with five starters lost to graduation, that projection could very well hold true. However, Charlotte does possess some of the key ingredients for success: a forward who is one of the best in the league and stalwart goalie, both returning to the lineup. The question marks are in the midfield for the 49ers, but the lineup does have talent distributed throughout, including five players who have earned all-CUSA honors in their respective careers..

Mupier is one of the league's top players.

On the Attack:
In the attack, the 49ers were very pleased to see the emergence of a bonafide super star in Mira Mupier. Mupier, entering his junior season, was selected as a preseason all-CUSA player for '03 and it was with good reason. Last season, Mupier tallied 8 scores (17 career goals) and he appears poised to do more damage this season. Also, he will have the benefit of experience out top alongside in senior forward Juan Munoz-Airey, who was a rising star in the program until a knee injury cost him the 2002 campaign. He is now rehabbed and ready to see if he can return to the form that landed him on the third-team all-CUSA in 2001. David Costa (assist), Robert Lossett, and freshman Michael Rose will add depth up front.

In Transition:

The midfield will hinge on the performance of sophomores Floyd Franks (2 goals, 3 assists), an all-C-USA freshman a year ago, and Sean Zubick along with senior Brett Baker. A pair of redshirt freshmen - Coleman Hall and Blake Smith, a transfer from Kentucky - will see significant playing time in the midfield in 2003. 

In the Back:
The defense is bolstered by rising seniors Joe Lampert (assist) and Mike Trinitapoli and junior Joel Wisdo. All three have seen plenty of action in their time at Charlotte and should make up a unit that will be a strength on this year's Charlotte squad. Also, John Nabers (assist), a rising sophomore, got action last season and will be called upon to make noise in the lineup. 

Between the Pipes:
The backliners are thrilled to know that veteran standout goal keeper Lucas Mackanos (69 saves, 6 shutouts, and 1.29 gaa) is back for his senior campaign. Mackanos is one of the league's best net minders and looks to compensate for lineup losses. Backup duties fall to either Daniel Burk (25 saves, 2 shoutouts, and 0.20 gaa), who made five starts last season as a redshirt freshman or Josh Beachem who did not see action in 2002.

Outlook:

The 49ers will need huge performances from Mackanos in the net and Mupier up front, particularly early on in the slate while coach Tart searches for the right combination of players in the midfield. The league is not a kind place to play for a team looking to set a lineup, so Charlotte could very well see themselves looking up in the standings. Still, when you have a potential scorer like Mupier and a goalie like Mackanos, you are likely to have a legitimate shot in each game, which then gives Charlotte a shot to end up anywhere in the standings by season's end.

Coach Dayes

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Meyers Field (500)

Hylton Dayes (Wright State '88)

Greg Bowman (Wheaton '94), Whitney Gibson

3rd year

114-101-25 (18 years)

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

17

10

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

Overview:

There is a reason that there is great excitement within and around the 2003 edition of the Cincinnati Bearcats Men's team. After a respectable fifth-place regular season finish and a trip to the C-USA Tournament finals a year ago, the Bearcats return with virtually their entire starting lineup back save stalwart midfielder Scott Lyons (4 goals, 2 assists). That means that the Bearcats bring back 10 starters and a load of depth with 17 lettermen on the roster. Stud forward Wiremu Patrick (11 goals, 5 assists) returns to pace the offense and stalwart goalie John Adams (4 shutouts) anchors the defense. The Bearcats are a legit contender for 2003.

Patrick	Brown

On the Attack:
Patrick helped hone Jarrett Devereaux (4 goals, assist) into a potential star up front last year in Devereaux's freshman campaign and the two are expected to be one of the better combinations in the C-USA this year out top. Reserves Matt Haydan (2 goals, 4 assists) and Justin Lewis (goal, 2 assists) will push for more playing time and provide ample reinforcement when needed either as starters or off the bench. Incoming freshman Sean Hassman is expected to see some playing time. 
In Transition:

The team's top field general, Tim Brown (6 goals, assist) returns to run the Cincy operation from central midfield. The senior is a proven, reliable middie and is clearly the emotional leader on the field. The balance of the midfield is also very strong with Josh Gardner (5 goals, 5 assists), a very aggressive, offensive-minded midfielder. Another returner in the midfield, John Liersemann (goal, 2 assists) is in the lineup this season. Liesermann plays on the flank normally, but could see some time in the middle this season. One intriguing story line this season for Cincy is the return of oustanding midfielder Jeremiah Gallegos. Gallegos was a rising star early in his career with the Bearcats, but then sat out all of last season. He is now back and will be expected to round out the starting midfield lineup. Transfer Seth Byers who came in from the University of Wisconsin, is expected to bolster the midfield as is Brad Woods who was a reserve last season. Freshman Sam Miller will likely see some reserve action in '03.

In the Back:
The Bearcats return a very experienced trio of backliners this season. Team captain Anders Cedergren (assist) should line up at center back this season. Cedergren is the team leader in the back and a solid all-around player who can and will push up into the attack in the midfield. Also returning to the backline are talented brothers Justin (3 assists) and Brandon Dobbs (goal, assist).  Both seniors, Brandon will see time at both the flank and in the middle while Justin - coming off an excellent spring - will anchor down one of the flanks. Senior Tom Weable returns after seeing reserve action in all 21 contests last year. Both Josh Koch and Tony Morelli - neither seeing action in '02 - should compete for playing time as reserves this season. JUCO newcomer Eddie Parkes is expected to contribute right away.

Between the Pipes:
Nine games into the 2002 season, John Adams (33 saves, 0.81 goals against average) seized the starting job in the net and did not relinquish the position. Adams look to be the main keeper in '03 but will be pushed hard by redshirt freshman Mike Vessells, a rangy keeper who is coming off a spectacular spring season. 
Outlook:

The Bearcats, coming off a good spring season, are loaded for bear, no pun intended. The team takes the field with a solid lineup and great depth. If some of the highly-touted newcomers are as good as advertised, this team will be a bonafide contender for both the league title and tourney title. Count on Cincinnati to be in the thick of it from first whistle to NCAA tournament time.

Coach Blazer

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Wish Field

Craig Blazer (Xavier, 1991)

Jeff  Coelho (DePaul '98); Joe Ahearn (DePaul '99)

2nd year

11-22-4

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

20

XX

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

Overview:

Last season, in '02, DePaul coach Craig Blazer challenged his team to improve on a dismal three-win season in '01 and the Blue Demon roster responded by improving that mark by five wins and an eighth-place league finish. The gauntlet being laid this season is to move up in the standings and make a name as a consistently tough competitor in Conference USA. DePaul returns some exciting players this season, not the least of which is attacker Luke Rojo.  Also, goalkeeper Michael Timlin returns to the pipes to lead the backline.

Timlin is one of the top keepers in the league.

Rojo

On the Attack:

Rojo, a junior, lead the Blue Demon attack with 7 goals and four assists and combined quite well with Edwin Arreola (4 goals, assist). The attacking combo returns this season, though Rojo will often drop back into the midfield when needed. Also back to add to the attack are Mike Fenton (goal, assist) and Kyle Ingram.

In Transition:

Senior Bob Kruse (3 assists) returns in the midfield as does junior Claudio Ferre and senior Jonathon Foley (3 goals, 2 assists). Also back are sophomore Tim Blake (2 goals, 4 assists) and junior Anthony Minnitti (2 goals, assist), giving the Blue Demons a host of returning players with experience.

In the Back:
Senior Jeff Klitzke (assist), junior Pat Vynke (goal), and sophomore Kevin Bissett (assist) return to the DePaul back line. Junior Jonathan Matta picked up plenty of experience last season and will also see a lot of action in '03.

Between the Pipes:
Sophomore goalkeeper Michael Timlin returns after a solid frosh season where he came up with 72 saves, pitched four shutouts, and carried a 1.68 goals against average in 17 contests. Junior Brian Allen (2.40 gaa, 15 saves) returns to serve as backup. Defender Klitzke can also fill in if need be between the pipes.
Outlook:

DePaul will be hard-pressed to shake things up too much in the league this season unless Rojo explodes up front and Timlin can withstand in the back. The roster has many nice players on it and there is potential. The Blue Demons won't be in the basement but the penthouse may be too far out of sight. If depth can be established, the Blue Demons may grab a few unexpected wins on their slate.

Jeff Klitzke

Naperville, IL

Kevin Bissett

Wheaton, IL

Greg Brinkman

Geneva, IL

Kellen Lawler

Rockford, IL

Tim Blake

Wheaton, IL

Jonathan Matta

Arlington Heights, IL

Bob Kruse

LaGrange, IL

Claudio Ferre

Houston, TX

Edwin Arreola

Hoffman Estates, IL

Jonathan Foley

Elk Grove, IL

Luke Rojo

Downers Grove, IL

Kyle Ingram

Chesterfield, MO

Pat Vynke

East Moline, IL

Adam Hermsen

Roscoe, IL

Michael Fenton

Bradenton, FL

Evan Byer

Birmingham, MI

Michael Timlin

Beverly Hills, MI

Anthony Minniti

Lisle, IL

Robert Beard

Rockford, IL

Coach Colavecchia

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Cardinal Park (2,500)

Tony Colavecchia (St. Paul’s College – England '80)

Dale Helfrich (Brescia '92); Jeremy Morales (Louisville '00)

15th year

156-132-21

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

14

9

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

Overview:

Last season, the word on Louisville was talented, but young and had a rash of injuries that kept the team from ever really bonding on the field properly. This season, the team is still talented, has plenty of youth, but also now has a core of experienced players which should also help the Cardinals in terms of overall depth. With 9 starters back, the team expects to contend for the league this season and has a few all-star caliber players that may help see that intention to reality.

All-CUSA defender Cann returns to fold.

On the Attack:
Despite missing 11 games last season, senior attacker Simon Bird (6 goals) finished second on the team in scoring in '02 and it is that tenacity and nose for the goal that has the team excited about his prospects for a complete season up front.  Bird will team with University of Connecticut transfer Ian Quattroucchi in the attack. Junior Justin Pierre (3 goals, assist) will also see plenty of action, having played in every game a year ago. Other players who will figure into the mix are transfer Ryan Edwards and freshmen Ryan Pomeroy and Dan Williams. Edwards transferred in from the University of Delaware, where he led the team in scoring a year ago.

In Transition:

While there are a few veteran midfielders returning for the Cardinals, it will be a position that requires some of the younger players to stand and deliver this season if Louisville is to have the season they are expecting. Juniors Devin Matthews (goal), Matt Rose (2 goals, 3 assists), and Felipe Tolomelli (3 goals, assist) are back and seniors Fernando Tolomelli (3 goals, 4 assists) and Nathan Stephens (3 goals, 2 assists) will move from the attack to the midfield position this year to give the team a host of experience. All of the aforementioned players are competing for starting roles. The team is also very excited about newcomers Marco Terminesi, Nathaniel Gerstle, and Clay Talley. Despite who ends up in the starting roles, the Cards have the luxury of volume and depth at the midfield positions.

In the Back:
The core of the experience is in the backline for the Cardinals. Beginning with the team's top player and All-CUSA veteran, senior Adrian Cann (6 goals, assist). Cann was the league's co-defensive MVP in '02 and he commands a group of seasoned backliners. Nick McDevitt (2 assists) - who transferred into the program from the University of Indiana last season - and Matt Neely (goal, assist) - an all-freshman selection last season - return to their respective roles in the lineup. Flank defender Bryan Wells (2 assists) - who saw plenty of action in '02 - will add depth and newcomers Andy Damier, Trevor House, Ryan Meyer, and Joey Watson are expected to compete for playing time this season.

Between the Pipes:
Senior David Gisler (1.13 GAA, 30 saves) showed last season that he could be hot and cold, but a strong leader either way. Gisler split time last season with Brad Sokolowski (1.27 GAA, 64 saves), a big goalie at 6-4. Sokolowski showed promise last year as he shared time with Gisler. However, while a raw talent, he seemed to lack the game presence necessary to be a big-time collegiate keeper. He returns much wiser and is expected to be a force between the pipes and may end up the full-time goalie if the maturity took.

Outlook:

With a guy like Cann in your lineup and the depth to adjust your midfield for almost any pace or style, the Cardinals are a very good looking contender this season. How it all comes together is the key. This team will compete for the league title and look for the club to post more out of conference success this season. A good pick for the title in 2003.

Coach Adlard

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Valley Fields (1,750)

Steve Adlard (Loughborough '72)

Barry Bimbi

19th year

173-146-27

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

XX

XX

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

Overview:

The Golden Eagles tied for the regular season title in 2002, but 2003 may not be so kind to a team that has a brutal schedule which includes a host of ranked teams. A lot last season's success was due to Marquette's ability to dominate at home, winning 75 percent of those matches. The team returns its top scorer and a proven goalie, but there are questions with this lineup. More than half of the roster are freshmen, so the team must gel quickly to have a chance at equally anything that resembles last year's success. Still, Adlard is a fantastic coach and will put together a good lineup.

On the Attack:

Up front, Chris Lee (4 goals, assist) and Danny Mullin (goal) return. Lee and Mullin have been regulars for the past two seasons. The goal is to get one or two of a host of incoming freshmen forwards primed quickly to step in for depth. 

In Transition:

Derek Gutierrez (7 goals, 3 assists) anchors a formidable midfield. Gutierrez was the team's leading scorer a year ago and has been a mainstay in the lineup for years. He will be joined by veterans Matt Darby (3 goals, 6 assists) and Tony Walby (goal, 3 assists). Blair Kohlmeyer played in 17 games a year ago and will be expected to see more action in '03 as should Brian Schnell, who saw action in 10 contests last season.

In the Back:

The backline is anchored by veteran Andy Wagner (assist). Kellan Walsh, who saw limited action last season, should compete for a spot. Otherwise, it is a host of freshmen and a few converted middies looking to tow the line for the Golden Eagles.

Between the Pipes:

Fortunately for Marquette,  touted senior keeper Adam Ubert and his 1.12 goals against average return. Ubert was strong between the pipes in '02, turning back 64 shots on the season. His primary backup will be sophomore Richie Ilk.

Outlook:

Depth, depth, depth is the key for Marquette and they simply do not have enough of it. The team is chock full of freshmen and it is unlikely that they will be able to pull together enough to make Marquette a contender this season. Still, Adlard will maximize his crew and with Ubert in the goal, there is a chance that the Golden Eagles might be in position to pluck a few wins. Injuries could devastate this team. If they stay healthy, they might be a team that spoils at home.

Coach Grant

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Mike Rose Soccer Complex (3,000)

Richie Grant (Green Mountain Valley '93)

Robbie Nicholson (N'western State '99)

5th year

37-33-3

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

14

9

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

Overview:

For a team that returns 14 lettermen and 9 starters, the league coaches didn't give much respect to the Tigers, picking them to finish 9th among the 10 teams. Moreover, the team lost a pair of players that they were counting on to be two of the team leaders this season. Daniel Ronan (11 goals, 3 assists) and Matt Bryant (4 goals, 4 assists). Ronan was the team's top scorer and Bryant was a player who could play anywhere in the field. However, with 9 starters back, the Tigers are hopeful that they can improve on 9th place. It will depend on whether or not the team can compete better at home, that's right...home, and whether or not their 9 starters are much improved from a year ago when the team did post 10 victories.

On the Attack:

Though Bryant is gone, junior Reid Greenslade (3 goals) is back and is going to be counted on to step up his play to find the twine more often in '03. Sophmore Omar Jarun (2 goals, 5 assists), a dominant force in the air at 6-5, will also be expected to give more minutes up front as will sophomore Andy Metcalf (5 goals). 

In Transition:

The Tigers' top returner is clearly Dayton O'Brien (3 goals, 7 assists), an all-freshman team selection a year ago. O'Brien will anchor a veteran midfield that also includes juniors John Reilly (8 goals, 4 assists) - the team's top returning scorer - and Daniel Dobson (2 goals) as well as speedy, defensively-savvy Peter Cummings (2 assists). Also back is veteran Dusty Brezovsky (2 assists). The unit is the most experienced, deepest on the team and all of the players have plenty of experience and compliment each other's talents well.

In the Back:

In the back, junior Justin Dyer (3 goals, 2 assists) returns to his starting position to anchor the defense. Senior Graham Gibbs (2 assists), a big defender, also returns to the lineup this season after being a top reserve in '02. Junior Jake German should compete for more playing time this season. J.R. Thomas and Gary Connolly - who will see some time in the midfield, also return to compete for playing time.

Between the Pipes:
Senior Clark Talley returns for his fourth-straight year as starter between the pipes, giving the Tigers the luxury of plenty of experience behind their backline. Talley, a physical, hard-nosed keeper with a knack for making a save look good, brings a 2.01 goals against average and more than 50 saves with him into the season.

Outlook:

With the loss of two very key players, the Tigers may still be too young, though experienced, to move too far up the standings. However, the 10 wins last season is a good sign that the program is moving in the right direction. The team may not have enough scoring punch to boost them into the top tier, they still have enough to be an intriguing team this season. They were a much stronger road team last year than at home in what is usually a more desirable setting. Maturity may cure that ail, so this is a team to watch for the upset special. The safe bet is that the Tigers are, at best, a middle of the pack team in '03.

Clark Talley

Memphis, TN

Dusty Brezovsky

The Colony, TX

Dan Saffer

Manalapan, NJ

Avichay Alkotzer

Israel

Ohad Gal

Israel

Graham Gibbs

Dublin, Ireland

Dayton O'Brien

Memphis, TN

Harrison Kiser

Franklin, TN

John Reilly

Dublin, Ireland

Alex Kawalit

Mississagua, Ontario

Reid Greenslade

Horn Lake, MS

Andy Metcalf

Jackson, TN

Daniel Dobson

Garland, TX

Gary Connolly

Dundalk, Ireland

Peter Cummings

Ennis, TX

Justin Dyer

Germantown, TN

J.R. Thomas

Cordova, TN

Brad Whitsett

Memphis, TN

Omar Jarun

Peachtree City, GA

Brian Baytos

Germantown, TN

Sebas Vecchio

Argentina

Coach Donigan

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Robert R. Hermann Stadium (6,050)

Dan Donigan (Connecticut '89)

Mike Sorber (Saint Louis '92)

3rd year

33-6-2

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

10

6

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

Overview:

Saint Louis is accustomed to making a run at the league title every season and rarely lacks the talent to do so. This year, while very talented, the Billikens have their work cut out for them after losing a ton of scoring to the graduation of All-C-USA star Jack Jewsbury (10 goals, 9 assists) and the team's leading scorer Jason Cole (18 goals, 6 assists). Add to that the loss of Nick Walls (8 goals, 5 assists) and the team loses a total offensive output of 92 points (36 goals, 20 assists). Ouch! That will be very difficult to replace and it has the Billikens looking at a potential drop off this season from the league's hallowed top ground. However, like many top programs, there is much to build around, starting with one of C-USA's top defenders in Kevin Wickart. Goalie Martin Hutton also returns to help the Billikens return a very solid backline nucleus. The questions clearly remain in the attack.

Wickart is back to lead a strong backline.

On the Attack:
With absolutely no forwards returning in the lineup, the Billikens are hoping that a couple scorers can emerge from a host of highly-touted freshmen. Of the group, the most likely to step into action early are Vedad Ibisevic, William John and David Peplinski. Ibisevic was a star on Bosnia's Under-16 team before his family escaped the war-torn country. As a high schooler last season, he netted 26 goals. John was the 2002 Missouri state player of the year, piling up 36 tallies and 20 helpers as a senior. Peplinski was named an Adidas All-America and tallied 10 goals and 15 assists last year as a prepster.

In Transition:

The midfield is in a little better shape than up front and the Billikens are hoping that returning starter Cooper McKee (goal, 5 assists) can step into the leadership role that Jewsbury provided during his career. He is joined by Andrew Moses (2 assists), who started 11 games last year. Also, after toying with a starting role in '02, Patrick Garcia (goal) and Ryan Wileman hope to make runs a more regular PT. The team is hoping that promising star Kyle Hopson has recovered well enough from knee surgery to be the player they expected as a true freshman last season. They all should get some immediate help from a pair of talented freshmen in John DiRaimondo and Brian Grazer. Both come to Saint Louis via the U.S. Under-17 squad and are expected to be impact players right away. 

In the Back:
The entire core of this team is in the backline. Top returners and offensive-minded defenders Kevin Wickart (goal, 12 assists) and Andy Pusateri (goal, 4 assists) are back as is starter Nick Gannon (assist). Jason Vilmer - a redshirt freshman - is talented and should crack the lineup at times. Talented freshman Mo Benne is expected to see reserve action.

Between the Pipes:
Returner Martin Hutton (65 saves, 0.81 goals against average) started all 21 games a year ago and looks to be the regular again this year between the pipes. Jeff Sackman (2.90 gaa in four appearances) should be improved this season and an ample backup. 

Outlook:

It is going to take the type of effort that the Billikens have not had to muster in recent memory for this team to make a successful run at a league title. The scoring coffers are simply too depleted after losing so much scoring power. This is not to say that if the incoming touted freshmen are more than expected that this team will not be a competitive one, it is just that if you cannot score in C-USA, you will not find yourself atop the league standings at year-end. Look for SLU to win its share of games and pin its hopes on a surprise tournament run to get to the NCAAs. More likely, the team will find itself slipping in the standings this year.

Coach Kiefer

Home Field:

Coach:

Assistants:

Years at school:

Career Record:

Team 2002 Record:

Letterwinners Ret:

Starters Ret:

Last vs. ECU:                 

USF Soccer Complex (x,xxx)

George Kiefer (Southern Connecticut State, 1993)

Jeff Negalha (SC Spartanburg, '98), Bob Dikranian (Bridgeport)

2nd year

11-6-0

11-6-0; 6-4-0 (4th place)

13

7

Beat ECU at home, 4-0 on Sep. 7, 2002

Overview:

There is a quite a bit of excitement down in South Florida as the season approaches. Namely, the fact that the team returns the top scoring threat in the league in sophomore Hunter West, but also the lineup returns six other starters. The challenge for the Bulls clearly lies in finding a new goalie to replace departed Troy Perkins and in how quickly some of last year's reserves do in starting roles this season. Gone from the lineup are Jeff Thwaites and Gabriel Salgado, whom combined for 27 points out the middle of the pitch for USF. With a large contingent of incoming players, many with international experience, the Bulls have a top-10 nationally touted recruiting class and should be able to compete and compete well in Conference USA this season.

West, as a frosh, was C-USA's top scorer.

On the Attack:
The Bulls, without question, have one of the rising stars in the league in the combination midfielder/forward West, who led the team and the league with 59 points, mostly accumulated via his 14 tallies. West will no doubt draw plenty of heavy marks this season, so the Bulls are counting on an aggressive scorer to emerge from a pack of new and experienced players. It is likely that the immediate help will come in the form of Kevin King, a junior college All-America transfer from Jamaica. King is veteran of Jamaica' U-17 and U-20 national squads. Adham Rashwan brings a strong pedigree with him and could push for playing time as a frosh.

In Transition:

If a host of new players can gel with returning players, the midfield may be the strongest group for the Bulls. Returning to the midfield are sophomore Brian Gil (3 goals, assist) and juniors Brandon Streicher (2 goals, 3 assists) and Anthony Finazzo, a full-time starter last season. The trio provide tremendous experience within the Bulls' system. However, they will all be pushed by highly-talented incoming players. Junior College All-America Erwin Suarez, from Bolivia, and last year's player of the year in Indiana and two-time prep All-America Blake Sharpe are both expected to compete for a starting role immediately. Also keep an eye on Keeron Benito, a newcomer from Trinidad where he played on the national U-20 team. The middies have plenty of talent and the bevy of players will only lend itself well to a great deal of depth in the transition game. 

In the Back:
The Bulls backline is clearly anchored by veteran defender junior Jared Vock, who started all contests a year ago for USF. The team also have three solid, experienced backliners returning to the fold this year and seeking more full-time action in seniors Aaron Paroulek (2 goals, 3 assists), Aaron Ortega (goal, assist), and junior Chris Raye (assist). The backline should be strengthened by a few of the newcomers, particularly freshman Kareem Smith, fresh off his work with the U.S. Under-18 National squad. 

Between the Pipes:
Perkins' departure means that the Bulls must find a replacement between the pipes. Perkins had a 1.25 goals against average with 83 saves and the replacement will be expected to match those numbers. USF did take steps to avoid a lack of experience in the net by bringing in University of Connecticut transfer Peter Lechak. Dane Brenner, a sophomore, and freshman Brian Galvin are also in the battle for the first-line job.

Outlook:

The Bulls have talent and showed that they can push to the top of the Conference-USA standings. The influx of highly-talented players may help them move above last season's respectable 4th-place finish. They are deep in the central midfield and the backline and have a proven scorer up front. If the goalie position can be solidified and another scorer emerges, the Bulls are as good a pick as any to take the title.