Despite having a squad swelling with rookies, the Laurentian University men's soccer team raised a lot of eyebrows last season.
The team featured 15 freshmen sprinkled with a dash or two of veterans.
Yet the squad managed to pull off a solid record of 5-4-5, good for fourth overall in the OUA East Division.
They surprised foes with spirited play and timely scoring,
along with stellar goaltending.
The Voyageur train derailed in the playoffs against Trent, when
they lost 2-0.
The team is looking to keep up the surprises for 2007, but they know it will not be easy as no team will underestimate them this fall.
The team only lost three starters from last season and returns a huge crop of talented and hard-working veterans.
Overall, the squad has shaped up into a poised and confident
bunch, but there are issues.
"The team unity is there and we will be strong in defence and
midfield," said head coach Carlo Castrechino. "Our only
concern would be in net and our forwards as they will be the
two positions that we lack experience.
"We will be a hard working team led by four veterans and the rest in either their first or second year. Our defence will be strong as they are very fast and tenacious. They are not easy to play against. Our midfield is highly skilled as well."
The players feel a big season could be in store for them if they put forth a dedicated effort each week.
"The difference between our team this year is that we have
much more experience," said midfielder Mike Asunmaa.
"Last year we had many rookies new to the pace of the OUA...the
guys returning are now more experienced and used to the quick
pace of the league. Also, we only lost about three
starters from last year and all of those positions were
replaced with young, hard working players that are eager to
win. The goal of our team this year is to make it to the OUA
finals and go to nationals."
The players are aware of the work ahead of them.
"The squad this year will look to build on the strengths of last year: hard work ethic, fitness and discipline on the pitch," said co-captain Daniel Keir. "We also look to improve on our finishing, which was one of our weaknesses last season. Fans should look forward to a fast paced game and some good results at home."
Success is a reality.
"If we get strong goaltending from our rookie keepers and if we can put the ball in the net with some consistency then I believe we will surprise some teams this year," said Castrechino. "Like all teams the key to success comes from the midfield and I think we have a midfield as strong as anyones in the OUA. We are a fun team to watch with our skill and speed."
The men open their season on Sunday, at Laurentian, against
Carleton. Game time is 2 pm.
"They (Carleton) have been an OUA powerhouse for the past five
years or so," said the bench boss. "They are well coached and
disciplined. It's a good test for us and we will know what
kind of season we are in for right off the bat."
