Welcome to Fall Preview Week at GoASU.com. From Aug. 19-25,
GoASU.com will provide in-depth previews of Appalachian's cross country,
field hockey, soccer and volleyball squads as they prepare to open
their respective 2011 campaigns.
Men's Soccer Primed for Success in 2011
Coming off an 8-8-3 season, Appalachian State men's soccer is back on the field for another exciting season. The 2010 campaign saw the Apps advance to the Southern Conference Tournament semifinals, and ASU hopes to improve on that success this year. Heading into 2011, the Mountaineers are looking forward to a competitive season and a chance at this year's SoCon crown. For head coach Shaun Pendleton and assistant Matt Nelson, both entering their fourth seasons, this year's squad could pan out to be their best at Appalachian.
"Preseason has gone well," reports Nelson. "Our guys understand concepts and are moving along quicker than in previous years. All of our games will be competitive this year, and we'll focus on each match, one at a time."
Senior midfielder Ryan Duffy commands the Mountaineers as captain this season; however, the ASU coaches look to all of their players for leadership.
"The way we see it, we'll have 11 captains on the field at a time. They need to work together and direct each other if we're going to win games."
In goal, the Mountaineers choose from a selection of three skilled keepers. Senior Collin Taylor is the most experienced, but both Danny Free and Paul West have the ability to compete for playing time.
On defense, four starters return to compose the Apps' most-experienced line. Mark Bridges, Lee Williams and Walker White join Duffy to make up a formidable Appalachian defense. Harrison Delbridge is back to contribute again this year, while newcomers Jackson Bentley, Emerson Harrison and Patrick Harrow add additional depth.
In the midfield, ASU has its strongest set of veterans. Sean Dreybus, David Dodge, Bruno Mbamala and Lee Rutter anchor the Black and Gold at both ends of the pitch, while Costin Gregory, Kristian Lee-Him and Nelson Milsaint are positioning themselves for spots in the lineup.
With the departure of several starters, the Mountaineer front line will be limited in experience but not lacking in talent. Junior Nate Latigue and freshman Sekani Sinclair will see time at the position, while a handful of other newcomers are in the mix to play up front.
In addition to a group of talented freshmen, the Apps welcome a pair of transfers to the team this year. Ryan Lavigne comes to Boone by way of Cincinnati, bringing experience playing in big games, and Josiah Trower has familiarity with the college game after playing two seasons at Louisburg College.
While some coaches may find the task of managing 12 newcomers a daunting one, Appalachian's coaches welcome the extra depth.
"We're excited about our new players," explains Nelson. "They have incredible potential, and we have the chance to develop them and watch them grow. In addition, the young guys are here to push the older guys; the whole team knows that the players who produce in practice are the ones that get to play on game day."
Ultimately, the team has its eyes on its first SoCon Tournament title since 1990 and a berth in this year's NCAA Championship. The Mountaineers have the honor of hosting the final rounds of the SoCon tournament on their home turf, as the semifinals and finals of this year's event will take place at ASU Soccer Stadium on Nov. 11 and 13.
"Our sights are set on winning the conference," shares Nelson. "We need to stay healthy and focus on playing as a team so that our game is at its highest level for the tournament."
The team opens its season Sat., Aug. 27 when Appalachian hosts the Radford Highlanders at 2 p.m.
GoASU.com PREVIEW WEEK
Friday, Aug. 19 - Women's Soccer
Monday, Aug. 22 - Field Hockey
Tuesday, Aug. 23 - Men's Soccer
Wednesday, Aug. 24 - Men's and Women's Cross Country
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Volleyball
