2008 Simpson College Men's Soccer Preview
Here is a look at the Storm by position;
FORWARD: Sophomores Erik Montelongo, Lucas Haack, and Jim Frizzell will be battling for time on the front line this fall. Montelongo finished second on the squad in points with eight and tied for second in assists with two. Haack began the season as a sweeper on the Storm defense, but was moved up front later in the year. Haack recorded two goals and one assist and ranked fourth on the team in points with five. Frizzell started nine matches in 2007 and finished third on the team in points with seven.
"We will need to find the right combination up front that will create consistent opportunities for us to score," said Simpson head coach Mike Wilson. "I believe each of these individuals gained valuable experience last fall and will continue to adapt to the pace of the college game."
Wilson expects freshmen Chris Allen, AJ George, and Daniel Reeves to challenge for time on the varsity.
MIDFIELD: Juniors Corey Miller and Connor Skultety should pace the midfield for the Storm. Miller, a two-time All-Conference selection, led Simpson in points (10) and assists (4) last season. Skultety was chosen honorable mention All-Conference and was voted team MVP last fall. He started in 16 matches scoring one goal and posting one assist for a total of three points.
"I will continue to look to Corey and Connor to manage the midfield and direct our attack," Wilson said. "They compliment each other well and I anticipate them providing more leadership this year as juniors."
Senior Evan Johnson and sophomores Sandro Tadic, Nic Asteberg, and Sam Hoover, are expected to contribute to the Storm midfield. Johnson provides veteran experience as the lone senior on the squad appearing in 17 matches last season. Tadic appeared in 17 matches as a freshman and started in 12. He scored one goal and two assists ranking him fifth overall with four points. Asteberg played in 16 matches making two starts in the midfield and recording one goal. Hoover was featured in the starting line up twice and made 17 appearances last season.
"I feel we have a solid core of players returning in the midfield that provides us several different options depending on our opponent," Wilson said. "I'm confident that these players will continue to improve and play a more significant role on the team this season."
Wilson will look to incoming freshman Cameron Baker, Zack Groomes, Kyle Kaiser, Bryan Michelsen, and Jordan Ray to contribute to the midfield.
DEFENSE: Juniors Brett DePue, Nick White, and Matt Winegard, and sophomores Eric Nelson, Mike Miller, and Ryan Zickefoose will be candidates for the backline this fall. Wilson listed freshman Nate VanHorn and Phillip Johnson as possibilities as well.
"The coaching staff will have some decisions to make early in the season regarding our defensive shape," said Wilson. "We will have nice blend of experience and youth to choose from and anticipate a more organized defense this fall."
GOALKEEPERS: Juniors Jeremy Ward and Josh Youngman will continue to battle for time in between the posts for the Storm. Both appeared in 10 matches last season with Ward posting a 2.61 goals against average and Youngman a 2.38 goals against average. Freshman B.J. Stokesbary will also be challenging for time in the net.
"We are fortunate to have three quality goalkeepers to challenge for the starting position," Wilson said. "I firmly believe that competition brings out the best in a player and I am anxious to see which of these young men will emerge as the Storm starter."