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2004 Bloomsburg University Men's Soccer Preview

The Bloomsburg University men's soccer team has reached the PSAC playoffs in each of the last two years and three of the last five seasons. But now head coach Paul Payne is looking for his team to go beyond being comfortable with just one post-season game. He would like to see a post-season title.

“We have been successful the last few years getting to the PSAC playoffs, but we can't be satisfied with that anymore,” said Payne. “We need to take the next step up. We need to establish ourselves as a true contender year in and year out.”

To be a contender Payne is going to take advantage of his team's major strength, playing as a team.

“Our strength is that we are more focused as a team playing together with 11 players,” Payne said. “There is a lot of senior leadership, we are solid defensively and we are a big strong team. “With a new look in goal we are counting on solid performances from our goalkeepers to get the job done.”

OFFENSE

Over the last several years the Huskies have been able to be successful without a big-time goal scoring threat. Once again it looks like that will be the case for the Huskies.

Adam Clay (11 goals, 2 assists) has been the team's leading scoring each of the past two seasons. Clay, a first team All Region and All-PSAC selection in both his sophomore and junior years, will team with second leading scorer Greg Pompei (6g, 1 a) to form a formidable one-two punch for the Huskies.

“Adam (Clay) is one of the best in the air and has shown the ability to finish,” Payne remarked. “Greg (Pompei) is also a talented player who has gotten so much better during his time here at Bloomsburg.”

In addition, look for Santo Gianotti (3g, 0a), Adam Grady (1g, 2a) and others to add timely goals to balance out the attack.

MIDFIELD

The midfield area will be patrolled by returning player Josh Prall along with (Adam) Clay and (Greg) Pompei also in the middle. Freshman Chris Tomarelli is also expected to play a key role for the Huskies, Luke Haile will add his skill and physical presence in the midfield role as well.

DEFENSE

Always an important component to any team, the Bloomsburg defense will once again by key to the team's success. Among the returning players for the Huskies in the back are Venus Cherry, Derek Smith, Steve Feimster as well as freshmen Trevor Kepner and Ryan Scaffold.

“We are big, fast and physical in the back,” said Payne. “I like how well we played so far in the preseason back there. Overall we have a nice mix of size and athleticism.”

GOALKEEPER

The Huskies will have a new keeper in 2004 which will come from the trio of Jason Balthaser, TJ Ciotti and Jon Keller. Balthaser and Ciotti should see the bulk of the playing time but Keller will push both to man the nets for the Huskies.

OVERALL

“We are the kind of team that is not going to sit back and let someone bring the game to us,” Payne commented. “Our philosophy is to play an attacking wide open style. The key will be how well we are organized in transition in both attack and defending.”

As for the PSAC, Payne feels the league right now is wide open.

“Every game will be a toss up,” said Payne. “We have had some success, but East Stroudsburg is still the measuring stick. We need to get our program elevated to be able to compete with them and the other perennial PSAC powers. The league as usual is wide open and if you don't come ready to play every match, every minute, you will lose in this league.”

“We have the ability to reach the post-season,” added Payne. “And with the schedule we play, the team needs to be ready to play each and every time in steps on the field.”