Competitive Men's Soccer Season On Tap In Horizon League
INDIANAPOLIS -- On the heels of another season of national recognition, nine Horizon League men's soccer squads look to raise the bar once again for the conference. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Horizon League men's soccer, the League looks to return to its past glories in the NCAA Tournament.
Butler was tabbed the preseason favorite in the League, piggybacking on an undefeated run into the 2010 NCAA Tournament with a No. 21 preseason ranking. The Bulldogs lost the League's Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, along with head coach Kelly Findley, but new head man Paul Snape will replace the departed Ben Sippola and Matt Hedges with Ade Oluyedun, Austin Oldham and a cast of talented returning players.
A challenging slate awaits the Bulldogs, who open the season on Friday, hosting Bradley at the Butler Bowl.
Cleveland State came on late in the regular season, knocking off then-No. 1 (and eventuall national champion) Akron, 2-1, before handing Butler its lone tie of the League season. With a defensive-oriented system, and the League's reigning Goalkeeper of the Year in Brad Stuver, the Vikings look to continue their climb to the top of the Horizon League.
The Vikings head to No. 2 Akron to open the season, meeting the Zips at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
Since earning the No. 6 seed in the 2010 Horizon League Tournament, Milwaukee has been on a roll, failing to lose a single match in 11 exhibition contests over the spring and summer. Outscoring opponents, 24-8, in going 8-0-3, the Panthers will look for a quick start to 2011, having been picked third in the League's preseason poll. Goalie John Shakon is expected to anchor the defense as continues to set records between the pipes for Milwaukee.
Playing on a FIFA-rated two star field now that field turf is down at Engelmann Stadium, Milwaukee hosts IPFW on Friday night in its home opener.
An injury-plagued 2010 kept Valparaiso from contending for a position in the League Tournament, but the Crusaders still turned in a winning record overall, giving the program its first back-to-back winning seasons in school history. Despite losing two-time League Keeper of the Year Ryan Schwarz, Valpo is set at the position, with junior Kyle Zobeck anchoring the spot. Splitting time with Schwarz in 2010, Zobeck allowed just four goals in 650 minutes. A Horizon League All-Newcomer team selection in 2008, the junior owns a career goals against average of 1.23, good enough for the top spot on the Crusaders’ all-time chart once he reaches the minutes minimum.
The Crusaders host Calumet on Friday night to open the year.
UIC narrowly missed a spot in the League tournament in 2010, but took Butler to overtime and knocked off then-No. 16 Ohio State, 1-0, at Flames Field. Head coach Sean Phillips looks to build on the tradition of soccer excellence in his second season, returning six starters while introducing 11 newcomers to the 2011 team. Among those expected to shoulder the load will be senior Eric Frazier, who was second on the team with 16 points (6 goals) last year.
The Flames open 2011 at home, as Marquette pays a visit to Flames Field on Saturday night.
Green Bay was one of the last teams out of the NCAA Tournament in 2010, falling in penalty kicks to Butler in the Horizon League Championship before being denied an at-large bid to the 48-team field. Losing JC Banks to the MLS Supplemental Draft, the Phoenix are adapting to new coach's Kris Kelderman's philosophies. Kelderman will look to midfielder Tony Walls and keeper Ryan Wehking to lead Green Bay throughout the year, as both have earned All-League and All-Tournament honors in their careers.
The Phoenix wait until Sept. 1 to being the regular season, heading to SIU-Edwardsville to start 2011.
Head Coach Brendon Eitz will lean on an eight-man senior class throughout 2011, as Loyola attempts to build on last season's third-place finish. Controlling play through possession, junior Eric Nock will be looked to for scoring up front, while All-Newcomer honoree James Howe controls the midfield. Between the pipes, senior Peter McKeown returns after a five-shutout effort in 2010.
The Ramblers welcome Drake to Loyola Soccer Park on Saturday for their season-opener.
Detroit grabbed the fifth seed in the 2010 League Tournament, and with one of the top duos in the League in Ya Ya Toure and Adam Bedell. Toure recorded 9 goals last year, grabbing League Newcomer of the Year honors in the process. Bedell collected 8 assists, the second-best total in the League. On the back line, Mike Chiandussi returns for his second season as team captain.
The Titans are on the road to start 2011, meeting No. 19 Michigan State on Friday.
Wright State struggled in 2010, but looks for a boost in 2011 as 15 newcomers dot the roster. Head coach Bryan Davis will turn to Bryce Rockwell-Ashton and Derek Zuniga to lift an offense that netted four goals in eight League matches last year. Corey Whisenhunt looks to build on a 2010 season that saw him post three shutouts while turning away 48 shots.
The Raiders host Marshall on Friday night.
The Horizon League Men's Soccer Tournament begins on Nov. 8, with the Nos. 3 and 4 seeds hosting the sixth and fifth seeds, respectively. The No. 1 overall seed will host the semifinals and championship on Nov. 11 and 13.
