2008 Woodie Awards
Men's Soccer: Roster Breakdown
Simmons, Veterans expected to lead No. 13 Minutemen
Melissa Turtinen, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: Sports
|
Since the majority of the starters returning, the Minutemen will be a step ahead because they already know the system and what is expected of them.
The Minutemen aren't as strong as they were at the end of last year and are working to strengthen their weaknesses earlier in the season.
The incoming freshman class is energetic and excited to help move the team forward this season. They have worked hard and want to prove to the rest of the team that they can contribute and compete for a starting job.
"That's what you want, two people fighting for a spot on the field, and this freshman class will do that," UMass coach Sam Koch said.
Defense
UMass' greatest strength this season is All-American goalkeeper Zack Simmons. After a record-setting 2007 season, the Minutemen look to the redshirt senior to be one of the strongest leaders, vocally and physically.
Simmons had a 84.9 save percentage from last season and earned many honors, including being named 2007 UMBRO National Player of the Year, Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP and NSCAA/adidas All-American Third-Team.
But Simmons is only as good as the players in front of him.
If they do make a mistake Simmons is very good at covering for them. Losing defenders Kenny Cook and Doug Rappaport to graduation has created one of the biggest weaknesses on the team. The team needs to make sure they defend as a whole unit and stay compact so they don't give the opposing team scoring opportunities. The Minutemen will continue to play a 4-4-2 formation. This will maintain their strength in the defensive end of the field.
"Everyone has an invested interest in making sure Simmons is our strongest member," Koch said. "If they all do their jobs well then Simmons will have an easy job."
This year the defense will be challenged to maintain their level of performance from seasons past. Stuart Thompson, who will replace Cook, and senior Tony Bassett, taking Rappaport's spot, will have to step up. Returning for UMass is redshirt senior Chris Brown and junior Dan Lepone. Brown will be the anchor at defense for the Minutemen.
Be the first to comment on this story