Men's soccer team a deeper, better, stronger group

By Kristie Kahl

Hard work, roster depth and a healthy dose of competition are a few factors that should help the men’s soccer team achieve this season.

“Strengths I would have to say will be our depth and our attitude to continue working hard,” said Russ Fager, the head coach.

In the previous season, the team went 4-10-4 overall, but just missed making the playoffs in the last game of the season.

“Our goals would be to make the MAAC playoffs and to make the conference championships,” Fager said. “Also, we would like to win at least one NCAA game, or more.”

Last year, the team had the chance for reasonable success as the season wound down, but injuries thinned the roster considerably and forced the Broncs to make some adjustments.

“Some pros would be that the guys had a lot of playing time, they also saw good competition and it will be even better this year,” Fager said. “Last season we were hammered with injuries at critical times in the season. Pretty much any bad luck that creeps in is a weakness.”

The team made an effort this offseason to improve its work ethic and endurance abilities, which will almost certainly lead to a huge improvement in team play.

“One [difference] is that we are a lot stronger because the guys were lifting in the offseason,” Fager said. “Two would be the experience that our freshmen and sophomores have gotten. The third would also have to be our new players.”

A combination of the team’s wealth of new players and the experience of the veterans will play a major part in whether or not the Broncs see a better record and most importantly, the playoffs this season.

Dan Riverso, a senior goalkeeper, was voted as the All-MAAC goalkeeper this year in a preseason poll. Mike Juska, a sophomore this year, made an impact last season by making the MAAC All-Rookie team.

“The seniors in general will be key players in order to provide leadership,” explained Fager.