It’s a familiar group of players making up the 2013 edition of the Bloomsburg University men’s soccer team, led by a contingent of juniors and seniors. The Huskies hope that veteran leadership leads them back to a not so unfamiliar place, a trip deep into the conference post-season.
After reaching the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference final two years ago, the Huskies missed the conference playoffs last season following a 9-8-1 campaign, including a 3-5-1 mark in the PSAC.
“We were disappointed in last year’s play in the PSAC,” Bloomsburg head coach Paul Payne said. “We had a strong returning group from the team that played in the conference final the year before and lost 1-0. Our expectations were high and we didn’t get results early which affected us. We learned you can’t worry about the past.”
With that in mind, this team’s group of veterans will be counted upon to push the Huskies back into the top half of the conference.
“We expect our older players to lead as much off the field as on,” Payne said. “These seniors have played since they were freshmen. They’re all veterans.”With 24 players in camp, Payne believes the Huskies are going with quality over quantity with this year’s edition, especially considering that so many positions already are spoken for with the amount of returning faces.
“It’s the smallest group of players I’ve ever had in pre-season just because I believe that we have the players to compete,” he said.
FORWARDS
The front line is led by all-conference and all-region selection Fran Miller. The senior captain tied for second in the PSAC with 10 goals a season ago, earning numerous accolades following the year including spots on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Daktronics All-Atlantic region teams as well as All-PSAC honors. Miller will look to rise up the Bloomsburg record books this fall as he sits five scores outside the school’s top 10 in all-time goals, while already standing ninth in career assists with 12.
Also returning are talented sophomores Spencer Conrad and Miguel Diaz. Last fall Conrad found the net five times while appearing in all 18 contests. Diaz also saw time in every match including 14 starts and finished with two goals and five assists in his Huskies debut.
Payne also noted the arrival of freshman Kubilay Kochar who will provide the Huskies with size and strength in the forward position. Freshman Edgar Garcia also joins the roster up front. Another top recruit, freshman Austin Transue will miss the year with an ACL injury.
MIDFIELD
The midfield also will be anchored by a group of veterans.
“We are very excited about our group of midfielders,” Payne said. “We think we have very good returning players. There’s a good mix we have to pull from.”
Senior Michael Del Sordi has factored as a key contributor for three seasons, suiting up in 47 contests over his career in maroon and gold. Junior Nate Conrad put in a strong spring and will look to make things happen on the attack with two years of starting already under his belt.
Another junior, Nick Izzo was limited to one game last season but was impressive as a freshman, tallying two goals in 18 games.
Sophomores Chris Pawlowski and Matt Zima, who will also see time on the back line, also played quality minutes during their first collegiate seasons. Pawlowski played in 17 matches last year, tallying his first career goal in a win over Shippensburg. Zima made appearances in 15 contests with six starts and also tallied his first score in a win vs. Chestnut Hill.
Sophomore Stephen Pieri returns as well after scoring a goal in 14 appearances last year. Payne also noted freshman Josh Smith could make an impact as well. Senior Bradley Pratzner will miss the season after suffering an ACL injury. Freshman Aaron Flanders can play both midfield and forward and fellow newcomers Garrett Lattimer and Derek Orendorff join the team in the midfield as well.
DEFENSE
On a veteran unit, the Huskies’ defense may be the most experienced group on the squad. Nearly all of the Husky defenders have played together for the past two or three seasons, leaving Payne confident in the defense’s abilities this fall.
“It’s a real solid back line that’s been together a number of years,” Payne said.
Seniors Anthony Manero, Matt Cannon and Roman Loboda lead the defense with three years of experience under their belts. Manero started every game last season and was third on the team with five goals, pushing his career total to seven. Cannon also was a frequent starter during his junior campaign while Loboda started all 14 matches he played in.
A few of the Huskies’ younger players also figure to play important roles on the defense as well. Sophomore Mike Bamford made 16 starts and played in 17 games during his first season while freshman Nick Geller is also expected to see time.
Former all-conference goalkeeper Bernie Roell returns in net. The senior posted a 4-4 record with 43 saves and a 1.73 goals against average a year ago. Over his three seasons in maroon and gold Roell has tallied 213 stops and a career 1.21 GAA with nine shutouts.
Freshman Jake Pesarcik joins the roster and will add important depth to the keeper position.
OVERALL
One of the keys to returning to the PSAC playoffs will come in the ability for the Huskies to close out games. Bloomsburg’s record had the potential to be much better a year ago, but the Huskies lost late leads against top conference foes such as Mercyhurst and Gannon.
“We have to shut teams down late in games,” Payne explained. “At times we kind of turned it on and off (last season). That sense of urgency and closing things out is psychological at times. We’ll re-adjust the way we did some things. Hopefully it’s a new season, new players, new attitude.”
Once again, the PSAC looks to have the potential to be anyone’s for the taking.
“You can go down the list of schools, there’s not a game where you walk into and think you’re going to get a result. It’s a coin flip almost every game,” Payne added. “The key is to continue to grind out games and wear teams down because of our pressure. We’re not the biggest team, but we get after you.”
Bloomsburg opens its season on the road against St. Thomas Aquinas College on Sept. 5 before starting its home slate vs. N.Y. Institute of Technology on Sept. 10.
