This season, the Redhawks lose last year’s WAC Offensive Player of the Year, Miguel Gonzalez, as well as starting goalkeeper Jake Feener, who led the nation in saves, but will reload with a large number of newcomers and several returning starters.
During their non-conference schedule, SU will also face two teams who are nationally ranked in the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division I Men’s Preseason Poll – sixth ranked Washington and eighth ranked Connecticut.
Reigning WAC Coach of the Year Pete Fewing looks forward and previews the upcoming 2014 season.
On whether there was a specific moment when the tide turned last season: “There were a few benchmarks. There was the weekend when we played Georgia State and Florida Gulf Coast and we subbed five guys out in the 23rd minute or so. I’ve never done that at any level, but we weren’t putting out maximum effort and we weren’t believing. So I think that was the beginning and it was just one step after another. At UMKC, we were down 3-1 at halftime and we were rolling over. Two guys had a look on their face that looked like they’d quit and I told them to change their faces. We went back out and won 4-3. I don’t think it was one defining moment but just gradual improvement. We came from behind five times and went to overtime eight times last year.”
On how the attitude of the team has changed this offseason with the success of last season: “I think there’s great buy-in now with the guys. The work ethic and the time and effort put into playing and getting better this offseason has been significant. The guys returning recognize that there’s a recipe to winning and that includes dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and team unity and guys are communicating with each other. We’ve forged a good bond with the group and I think they believe they can do better than they did last year. Last season taught them a new expectation and language and gave them some confidence this summer to come back and be better.”
On whom he sees stepping up with the loss of Miguel Gonzalez and Jake Feener: “Those are the two big question marks. I think we have a very strong back line, our midfield is pretty solid with several options. The one thing I like about our team last year on the goal scoring side was that we had six guys besides Miguel who had solid goal scoring contributions. So I’m looking at those guys to pick it up and I believe they expect that. Defensively, our younger guys have some more experience this year, so they won’t put as much pressure on the goalkeeper.”
On the dynamic that comes from a large group of newcomers: “That’s the biggest thing that we have to address and manage. We have a large team and a lot of new guys coming in so a ‘team first’ mentality is expected. There’s going to be a lot of competition for spots so it’s making sure that everyone is pulling for the team to be successful. As a head coach, you want a hierarchy with your team and we’re still building – we’re not building for the future, we’re building for right now.”
On his goal for the season: “To be specific, we want to win the WAC again this season. We’re hosting the WAC tournament, so we want the No. 1 seed. I could say we want the No. 1 or 2 seed, but we don’t want the No. 2 seed, even though both get a bye. Our goal should be to win the WAC tournament, go to the NCAA Tournament, and advance further than we did last year. We also want to be one goal against per game or less and to win some of these big Northwest games against Washington, Gonzaga, and Oregon State. I think those are important steps to take.”
On the big names coming to Championship Field this season: “It’s very exciting – UConn is soccer royalty and UPenn is a great institution as well. I think part of what has helped is we and UW have partnered together to bring in these great teams. I think going to the NCAA Tournament has made it more desirable for teams to play us and the fact that they can play us and Washington.”
Seattle U will host the University of British Columbia in an exhibition match on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. before traveling to Western Washington for an exhibition match and to Charleston, S.C. to open the regular season.
Before returning home, the Redhawks will face Washington in a rematch of the NCAA Tournament Second Round game last season, broadcast on the Pac-12 network on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
SU’s home opening weekend will bring UPenn (Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.) and UConn (Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1 pm.) to Championship Field.
Single game tickets can be purchased 60 minutes prior to kickoff at the entrance gate to Championship Field located on the southwest corner of 14th and Cherry. For season tickets, the Redhawk Sports Pass can be purchased by calling the Redhawk ticket office at (206) 398-GOSU(4678) or online via the “Tickets” link at GoSeattleU.com.