Next generation takes to the fieldBy Charlie Leffler

The 2001 Cardinal Men’s Soccer team comes into this season looking for a way to fill the holes from the loss of six valuable players from last year. The Cards return six starters and seven key reserves from last season. Combined with a group of talented new recruits the expectations are running high. “Now the foundation has been laid for the next generation of players,” head coach Tony Colavecchia said.

The key to last season’s success was in the defense that the Cardinals played. This year there looks to be no exception that standard. The core of defensive players return and will be relied upon once again this year.

Third-team all-conference goalie, senior Jeremy Morales of Grand Terrace, California has held the starting position for the last three seasons. Last year he earned C-USA player of the week honors twice and set the record for goals against average.

Challenging Morales at goalkeeper will be transfer Brian Schoenbein, a sophomore from St. Charles Mo., had earned Missouri ODP Regional honors.

First team all-conference sophomore Adrian Cann will provide talent in the backfield. “Adrian is a strong technical defender,” Colcavecchia said. “He still has room for improvement especially in his one on one defending. His selection to the Conference USA first team is a testimony to his ability.”

The biggest question mark for the cardinals will be in the midfield. The Cards must fill four positions that were left vacant from graduation. Senior Sean Murphy and Junior Courtenay Commander will be asked to take on the responsibility.

Murphy started 17 games last season and Commander will move to the left side of the field to replace the hole left with the loss of Stuart Langrish.

The central midfield positions remain up for grabs. Expected to fill the holes are freshmen Devin Matthews and Matt Rose and transfer Andrew Tsartolias.

The attack will return two of the leading scorers form the last two seasons, sophomore Nathan Stevens and senior George Zabaneh.

Stevens started 15 games last season before tearing his ACL at the end of the year. He led the team in goals scored last season with seven. He finished the season ranked second in points with 15.

Zabaneh leads the team with 23 career goals.

Helping Zabaneh and Stevens on the front line will be newcomers Simon Bird, Justin Pierre, and transfer Bryan Elkan.

The Cardinals are picked to finish sixth in the C-USA preseason polls.With the talent and expectations running high it should be another exciting season for the mens soccer team. The Cards will resume play on August 31, at Evansville and then open home play against Vanderbilt on Sunday, September 2, at 7 p.m.