Weekly Release # 1: No. 8 UCSB
Behind mix of fresh faces, a sturdy group of returners and a schedule boasting some of the nation's best programs, the Seattle University men's soccer team is ready to embark on another competitive season in 2011. At the helm is sixth season head coach Brad Agoos, who will take this youthful group to Santa Barbara, Calif. to open the year. The Redhawks opening game will be against perennial powerhouse No. 8 UCSB on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.
The challenges begin in Santa Barbara and do not let up until the final whistle blows to conclude the season, but Agoos would not have it any other way.
"We are very excited for the season to start," said Agoos. "Coming off last season, we had one of the most challenging schedules in the country. This year's will be no different, as it will be difficult and it will really test us as a team and a program. That is what this coaching staff and the players want. It will be interesting to see where we start and where we finish."
Recapping Last Year: The 2010 season saw the continued progression of the Redhawk men's soccer program at the NCAA Division I level. SU faced five squads that participated in the NCAA Tournament, including Michigan, who they took to a 2-2 double overtime draw on Sept. 12, and Sacramento State, who they shutout, 1-0, on Oct. 10.
Big time performances came throughout the year, including SU's back-to-back 1-0 shutout victories that guided them to capture the Oregon State Hensor/Zaher Nike Classic title (Sept. 17-18). Seattle U also stunned a then-No. 24 Portland squad with a come-from-behind equalizer with 14 seconds remaining in regulation to conclude in a 1-1 double overtime tie on Sept. 26.
Despite just missing seeing action in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Conference Tournament, the squad was relentless to conclude the season on a winning note. The Redhawks (5-10-3 overall, 3-6-1 MPSF) capped off the year with a 1-0 overtime shutout at CSU Bakersfield on Nov. 7.
A Look at the 2011 Schedule: The 2011 schedule will feature exciting competition, as the Redhawks will face local Pacific Northwest rivals in Gonzaga and cross-town foe Washington, and powerhouse programs like No. 2 UCLA. The non-conference schedule will have SU playing five games in California, including three straight to kickoff the year. Seattle U will host their home opener on Sunday, Sept. 14, versus the Huskies of UW. Three days later, GU travels west for a midweek match up.
"I think playing UCSB in our opening game is something for our guys to really shoot for. It will show us exactly where we are. Every game this season is exciting. All the non-conference games have a lot on the line, whether it is a perennial tournament team or one who is a local rival. I don't think there is any game in the non-conference schedule that doesn't mean something to us," commented Agoos.
SU will play six conference games on the road, while hosting five. The conference schedule opens amidst a five-game road swing. The regular season will conclude at home with CSU Bakersfield on Saturday, Nov. 5. Prior to the 1 p.m. match, SU will host their annual Senior Day ceremony. The MPSF will host the post-season tournament this season at the University of Denver from Nov. 10-13. The Redhawks will vie for their first conference tournament bid and a chance at the MPSF's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
"As for the conference schedule, we know that it is a source of pride for us and a chance to get into the NCAA Tournament. There isn't one game that is a throw away, which again is going to be very exciting for us," he concluded.
Welcome Back: The Redhawks return 13 letterwinners, including six starters from 2010.
New Kids on the Block: Fourteen newcomers join the roster in 2011, made up of true freshmen, redshirts and transfers. With such a substantial group of incoming players, the Redhawks add depth and size in all positions. Several newcomers will vie for immediate playing time or a starting spot, which will add a new dimension of competition to the program.
"It is going to be a challenge and an opportunity for us," said Agoos about his large incoming group. "We think we have great guys coming in. The challenge will be getting those guys on the same page. They need to adjust to the culture quickly and the system. That is something we have had to focus on, but we are excited about the new guys."
"It will certainly help us to have more and healthier guys. I am a big believer it's not where you start, but where you finish. The goal is to come out and no matter where we start from, is to get better every game and practice session."
The Captains: The 2011 captains are midfielder Marshall Kosaka, and defenders Demaci Roussos and Elliot Richards.
The Goalkeepers: After taking over between the pipes midway through the 2010 season, sophomore Jake Feener looks to build upon his rookie campaign. He finished the year with three shutouts and a pair of wins, sporting a 1.09 goals against average and 41 saves. He also earned MPSF Player of the Week honors (Oct. 12) following his collegiate debut weekend, where he posted a pair of shutouts.
In addition to Feener, Agoos will have options in goal. After redshirting his true freshman season, Logan Richards returns and will look to make his collegiate debut. Also joining the team are a pair of keepers in junior transfer Marshall Reese and freshman Shane Haworth.
"We have a young goalkeeping group. Jake has been the guy and has been a gamer for us. Marshall is a little older, experienced and technical, and we have a pair of freshmen in Logan and Shane, who add height to the position being 6-4 and 6-5, respectively," Agoos said.
The Backline: The Redhawks return a veteran backline, providing fluidity and experience to the defense. Senior Demaci Roussos, who missed part of last season, has developed into a much more dominate defender and leader. Returning to action after missing all of 2010 is senior Elliot Richards. He will look to slide back into the backline, alongside classmate Brandon Hamer. Hamer had a breakout 2010, converting to a defender and being named to three all-tournament teams during the year. Rounding out the returners are senior Kevin Cook, who started in all 18 games, and junior Ryan Blair, who played in 16 games. In addition to a solid group of veterans, SU adds a substantial group of players who can play in the back, including 6-5 freshman Jens Klitgaard.
"There is a solid group of returning players at defender. We also have some guys who are coming in, newcomers and transfers, who will really push for competition. It is going to be much more competitive than it has been in years because of the numbers are a little higher and the quality that is coming in," Agoos commented.
In the Middle: The midfield will also have sizeable depth in 2011, as up to 13 different players have experience in the position. With the loss of All-MPSF Sean Morris due to graduation, SU will look to fill his void. Junior Marshall Kosaka has developed into a consistent contributor and will be looked to be a leader in the midfield. Alongside, sophomores Renato Bandeira and Ben Striar, who have a year of experience under their belt, will look to add consistency to SU's play in the middle.
"We have different options in the midfield, but we definitely will look to Marshall, who has been playing really well for us that last year or so. He is really becoming more consistent and he has always been dangerous," said Agoos.
Striking Up Top: The Redhawk frontline will feature a new mix of players, beginning with senior transfer Scott Greenburg. The 6-5 forward redshirted last season due to injury and will make his SU debut this weekend. He has had a year to learn the Seattle U system and will add veteran leadership to the position. SU will also look to newcomers Brent Campbell, Travis Heim and Mikey Ramos to add to the Redhawk offensive attack.
"We have a good group up top. Scott, Brent, Travis and Mikey will all be looked to add to our offensive efforts. We are excited to see what this group can do this season," said Agoos.
Stay in Touch: To stay up-to-date with all things Redhawk men's soccer, log onto www.GoSeattleU.com for the latest news and information.