Bloomsburg University Men's Soccer Season Preview

After struggling through 10, one-goal losses in 2007 the Huskies know that they need to get the job done on the attacking side of the ball. With a solid recruiting class and several transfers Bloomsburg is set to rebound in 2008.

"We (Bloomsburg) need to get a mind set that if we get behind, we are capable of getting the equalizer and then the win," said coach Paul Payne. " Soccer is a mental game as much as a technical and tactical game. If we can get a few more goals this season we will be in the hunt for a PSAC playoff berth."

The 2008 schedule will have several new features. The biggest change being that the PSAC will go to an East-West divisional setup with the top two teams in each division qualifying for the PSAC playoffs. In addition, several new teams dot the Huskies schedule. Among the new opponents are St. Thomas Aquinas, Shepherd and Gannon, new to the PSAC. The players and coaching staff expect to be in every match and look forward to reversing the disappointment of 2008. "It's a new season with new players and each match begins at 0-0," Payne said.

GOALKEEPERS

Junior David Leindecker, who had a solid spring season, returns after sharing goalkeeping duties in 2007. Erik Solymar and Brent Basehoar are also expected to challenge for the starting goalkeeping position.

DEFENDERS

A solid returning core of players makes this the strength of the Huskies. Attack-minded and team leader Justin McLennan will anchor the back line. Along with Mike McGee, Brain Farrell and Mike Jones this group will be tough on the tackle and can be effective in the attack. Sophomore Tim Pfender had an outstanding freshman year and will play a vital role for the Huskies from his defensive position.

MIDFIELDERS

This is an area of the field where the Huskies have many options with both returning players and some quality recruits-transfers. Chris Chestnut and Eric Simonds are expected to be a key pair in initiating the attack as well as bringing a strong defensive attitude towards the midfield. Both David Nolasco and Ryan Lafferty will be looked to immediately help the midfield be more effective on the attacking side of the ball. Ryan Wilson, a big, strong defender from England, will bring a presence to the team on both sides of the ball with Marcus Valeriano returning after sitting out last season.

FORWARDS

An area of the field where the Huskies need to improve. Returning frontrunners Tom Kovack and Christian Rota, who bring pace and skill to the forward position, but must finish. Kovack led the Huskies in scoring last season with four goals and two assists, while Rota added four goals. Freshman Ricky Brown is expected to contribute along with several transfers. Tom Monagle a returning player was moved to the forward position this past spring and showed that he can be an effective scorer.

OVERALL

"After the spring the returning players realized that we have the ability to be a very successful team, but we need to prove that every moment we are on the field," said Payne. "It's about doing it not saying it. The incoming players will make this team even more dangerous and one that expects to challenge for a playoff berth."

In the new look PSAC East Stroudsburg and West Chester have to be considered the favorites, but you can not discount any team on any given day and that includes the Huskies.