Sports Home • Today at BU • BU Home • Alumni • Admissions • Academics

Coming off a season that landed them in the PSAC Playoffs and ranked as high as number eight in the country, the Bloomsburg University men's soccer team has set aim at a PSAC championship.

Head coach Paul Payne is very optimistic heading into the 2003 campaign as he returns an outstanding cast of players that were left with a bitter feeling after falling to East Stroudsburg in the PSAC playoffs last season.

“Most of the key players, outside the goalie are back so we look at last year as a stepping stone to this year,” said Payne. “The team is very determined because you measure yourself by your last game and the team and myself despise losing.”

ATTACK

Leading the Huskies attack is junior Adam Clay (Dallas/Dallas) who scored a team high eight goals last season.

“Adam is unique because he isn't the prettiest player, but he is effective,” said Payne. “Other teams are aware of his talent which helps to free up others.”

Clay's supporting cast on the attack includes senior Mike Ross (Bloomsburg/Bloomsburg Area) who posted 14 points last season. Senior Andre Giannotti (Wyomissing/Wyomissing Area) will also supply the Huskies with depth on the attack.

MIDFIELD

The Huskies midfield also proves to provide coach Payne with a lot of depth with help from two freshmen in Michael Barr (Wallingford/Strath Haven) and Andrew Lansanah (Windsor,Canada/Catholic Central).

“Barr and Lansanah really understand the game well and I think we've been lacking that,” said Payne. “Our midfield is so flexible because of our depth.”

DEFENSE

On the defense the Huskies feel comfortable despite losing two key players from last years squad.

“I don't see much of a drop off from last years defense,” said Payne. “Daniel Urbina (Venezuela/Saint Ignacio of Loyola) turned into one of the best defenders in the PSAC and freshman Steve Feimster (Stroudsburg/Pocono Mt. East) joins Luke Haile (Bloomsburg/Central Columbia) in solidifying the backs to play a key role with the defenders. Mickey Bumbarger (Clearfield/Clearfield Area) returned to top form after a great spring, and will add leadership and experience to the defense.”

Junior Derek Smith (Cochranville/Octorara Area) will also be looking to fill in.

GOALKEEPING

In goal the Huskies, will feel a void with the graduation of standouts Dustin Henry and Kevin Wright. Payne still feels the team can compete with the best. Sophomore Kyle Grim (Macungie/Emmaus) and freshman Jason Balthauser (Bernville/Tulpehocken Area) lead the candidates to tend goal this season.

“Kyle is a big time keeper,” said Payne. “Last year was a great learning year for him. Jason is a very aggressive goal keeper which I think you need in our conference.”

OVERALL

After falling just short of the NCAA championships last season, the Huskies look ahead to a much stronger schedule in 2003.

“Our schedule is loaded,” said Payne. “We want to play the best there is because that's who we want to be measured against.”

As the Huskies try to improve on their 12-3-5 record from a year ago, everyone is optimistic and excited to get the season underway.

“I feel good about our chances,” said Payne. “Our players have to recognize that we need to do it as a team. I don't know what our record will be, but I know we'll battle every minute, every game.”