8/30/2010 4:11:56 PM
The 2010 Sewanee Men's Soccer team enters the fall season with the invaluable experience of a strong returning group, a bevy of talent in the freshmen class, and high hopes for a year in which they're aiming for a return to the top of the SCAC.
Fifteen new additions join the Tigers this year, and Head Coach David Poggi knows that this new talent, coupled with the strength of the returning players, has the potential to return to the spotlight. "This year's group has the potential to take this program as far as it's been since 2001 (SCAC Champions and a NCAA National Tournament appearance). If we continue to push each other each day in training and play for each other in every game, there are no limits to what this team can achieve," says Poggi.
After logging 500 minutes as a freshman, sophomore Freddie Delchamps returns to mind the net for the Tigers. After an early-season injury hampered him last year, Delchamps has returned to Sewanee healthy and ready to lead. "Freddie is a presence in the goalbox. At 6'4, he commands respect from opposing players and his shot-stopping ability and organization will certainly add to our chance for success," says Poggi.
Delchamps will be joined at goalkeeper by freshmen Derek Williams and Will Noggle, who Poggi will look to to provide quickness and great shot-stopping abilities.
The Tiger backline didn't lose anyone from the 2009 squad that finished the year 8-10-1 overall and 4-5-1 in conference play. Juniors Will Morgan, Alec Peter, and Walt Doty will be looked upon to lead the Tigers defensively. All have started for the Tigers over the past two years and opposing forwards will have a difficult time breaking through.
Sophomores Zack Goodwin, Joel Stewart, and Brennon Picarella all saw considerable time as freshmen in 2009 and will look to contribute to the Tigers' defense once again in 2010. Coach Poggi hopes that their experience will only help propel an already steadfast backline. In addition to the returning backs, freshmen defenders Brian Maloney, Mike Farmer, and Ryan Garikes are all looking to be immediate contributors for the Tigers.
The strong group of young players will be joined by lone senior Matt Engle, who will be returning for a fourth year in the Tigers' backline, and has been one of the most consistent players for the team and Coach Poggi will once again look to his drive and passion to help lead a young group of Tigers in 2010.
Several players highlight the list of returning midfielders and all saw considerable playing time in their first and second years. Poggi hopes the depth of their experience will give the Tigers the ability to create chances on goal in every game.
Juniors Stu Maxey and Mark Meyer will lead the group of midfielders, Stu from an attacking position and Mark from a holding midfield position. "Stu is a player who has the qualities to take over a game," says Poggi, "He can certainly dictate the flow with his skill and vision." Sophomore Sam Edoung-Biyos' strength and skill will be relied upon in the midfield to take on defenders and help slot forwards to goal. Together with sophomores Daniel Drewry, who saw time in all 19 games in '09, Hust Renner, and newcomer Thomas Moore, the center of the field will be tough to beat throughout the season.
A strong group of newcomers only looks to add to the strength of the midfield. Sophomore Watson Hartsoe can be used as a wide player or a center forward and will threaten opposing backlines from either position. First-year players Dillon Flynn and Matt Green have the ability to add to the attack from any part of the field. Freshmen Paul Campbell and Ford Rushton will also look to have an immediate impact on the center of the field.
Juniors Matt Lightfoot and Garrett Schlosser both return in 2010 after scoring six goals apiece last year. Schlosser and Lightfoot, a two time third team All-SCAC selection, were the leading scorers for the Tigers in '09 and added seven assists between them. "Matt and Garrett are a dangerous combination for defenders to deal with. They are two different players who both have the desire and ability to score goals. They will certainly complement each other nicely and be a handful for opposing defenses," explains Poggi.
Joining Lightfoot and Schlosser in attack will be first year player Devon Ball. The Tigers will rely on Ball to be a player who knows where the goal is and has the ability to get there. Coach Poggi feels that, "Devon will add a new dimension to an already dangerous attacking line. He has the knowledge, pace, and strength to be a very capable player for us."
As in the past, the Tigers will be challenged early and often in 2010. Puett Field will host eight games for the Tigers this year, including the home and season-opener on Wednesday, September 1st. The team will take on NAIA foe Union University at 6:00 p.m.
Once again, the home schedule is highlighted by the annual Kyle Rote, Jr. Invitational, which will be held September 11-12th at Puett Field. The Tigers will face Huntingdon on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. and the University of the Ozarks at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. This year's tournament will be especially memorable due to the recent induction of Sewanee's own Kyle Rote, Jr. into the National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Rote is the only Division III player to ever receive this distinction.
The Tigers will open up conference play on the road when they travel to Danville, Kentucky to face Centre College at 8:00 p.m. on September 24th. The team will continue their road swing that weekend when they travel to Greencastle, Indiana to take on the Tigers of DePauw University on September 26th at 1:00 p.m. Last year, the Tigers beat both SCAC foes in exciting fashion: an overtime victory over DePauw and a last minute game-winner against Centre.