COACH SPEAK: UIC Men's Soccer

Aug. 29, 2008

Q: How have your preseason workouts been so far? Which areas have you've been pleased with?
A: I'm very pleased with the development of our squad during the preseason. There has been a lot of emphasis put on individual principles as well as team concepts.

Q: Your program made a historic run to the Elite Eight of the 2007 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship. What was that experience like?
A: It was extraordinary to see a group come together and represent our university and the Horizon League with so much confidence and quality to their play.

Q: Your program has reached the double-figure win plateau in each of the three seasons you've been at UIC. Do you have an explanation for that success?
A: It comes down to the players and what their ambition is. Luckily, for the UIC men's soccer program, we have individuals who have dedicated themselves to being successful.

Q: Your team enters the season ranked No. 16 in the nation by the NSCAA/adidas and No. 17 by College Soccer News. What kind of pressure does that place on the program?
A: Pressure is a good thing, but having said that, we speak to the guys about how the target on their back just continues to get bigger. A few years ago, we were the hunters and now we are the hunted.

Q: It appears you have a young team this year. How important will contributions be from the sophomore and junior classes?
A: While it may look young on paper, we feel that having played six NCAA Tournament games in the last two years and returning almost all of our starters we're in good position to be successful again this year.

Q: Discuss your newcomers. Who has stood out to this point?
A: Julian Serrato, who has been in the pool for the U-18 National Team, has made an immediate impression on the team, as well as junior transfer Phillip Mitchell.

Q: What kinds of goals have you set for this year's team (both on and off the field)?
A: Our goals are pretty simple -- to play good soccer, believe in each other and see where it takes us.

Q: Preview your non-conference schedule. Have you added any new matches or tournaments?
A: One thing I promised our existing players and newcomers was that we were going to challenge them with tough games and tough environments. This year, we have put a together a schedule which will test this group of players in many ways.