SEATTLE – No. 22 Seattle University men’s soccer enters the 2018 season with high expectations. With seven starters returning, along with a talented crop of newcomers, the Redhawks will look to build on their 2017 title-winning campaign.
Pete Fewing begins his 25th season as SU’s head coach. On Sept. 9 against CSUN, Fewing will coach his 500th career game and with 11 wins, he will claim his 300th career victory. Fewing has guided the Redhawks to three WAC Tournament titles, two WAC regular season crowns, and three NCAA Tournament wins in the last five seasons.
In 2018, Seattle U’s stellar senior class will lead the way. Nathan Aune is back to anchor the defense after earning United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American honors in 2017. The WAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year is on the 2018 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.
Sergio Rivas, another senior, was voted WAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Redhawks with 22 points last season. Josh Adachi and Anthony Ayala both return after claiming United Soccer Coaches All-Region accolades in 2017.
The defense will be the core of the squad this fall, as Aune and Ayala form a terrific duo at center back. Adachi holds down the goalkeeper position, while Ivory Randle IV returns after a strong freshman season on the outside.
Rivas leads a deep group of midfielders, as Julian Avila-Good, Gabriel Ruiz, and Orlando Neto are back after gaining experience in 2017. Up front, Cody Buchanan, Quinn Fahling, Cody Gibson, Noe Meza, and Connor Noblat will look to provide punch for the Redhawks.
The Redhawks host nine home games at Championship Field, including a date with national power Akron on Sept. 7. They will also host the 2018 WAC Tournament from Nov. 8-11. After missing out on consecutive championships following its two previous WAC titles, SU will look to repeat in 2018.