Men's Soccer Preview Part 4: Cleveland State

Aug. 26, 2005

To say that the Vikings are in a youth movement would be a bit of an understatement. Head coach Pete Curtis spent the offseason overhauling the 2004 squad that finished 5-12-2 including a first-round exit from the Horizon League tournament.

With freshmen making up nearly half of the roster, the Vikings will need to learn on the fly in order to be competitive in the Horizon League. Despite the youthfulness, Curtis feels that the new additions to the squad will be up to the task.

"We have an undeniably young roster and we will need a little time to find our team chemistry," Curtis said, "But I believe that there are a number of strong individuals joining the Vikings who will hit the ground running."

"We will be stronger in a couple of areas this year, with both the defensive and striking departments looking much healthier than in the past few seasons.," said Curtis.

Just because the CSU roster lacks a senior for the first time since 1999 does not mean that the team will be deprived of leadership. Curtis believes that the core of returning players will be able to guide the young team to success throughout the season.

Junior defender Mark Zambra will continue to be a vocal leader on the field as team captain. Defenders Craig Coleman and Cormac Finn, All-Horizon League second team and newcomer team members last season, will be the anchors for the defense in their second season. Sophomore Tom Sadd, who underwent knee surgery after an injury plagued 2004, will provide an additional impact in the backfield.

The arrival of the 12 necomers will be a welcomed one up front for CSU. Nine of the first year Vikings will see regular time on offense, helping to replace the loss of eight front-line players who were responsible for 18 of the team's 21 goals last season.

Curtis is confident that the group will be up to the task, but their success will depend on how fast they can adjust to the Divison I level of play.

"If we can not only tighten up a little at the back, but also add a much greater offensive threat," said Curtis, "then I believe that this season will see the emergence of a much more effective Viking team.

Goalkeepers
The Vikings will have some new faces between the pipes this season as sophomore Chris Black is the only goalkeeper who has competitive varsity experience.

Black played in three games for Cleveland State during the 2004 season, finishing the year with a 1.64 goals against average.Kasey Gray's ankle injury prevented him from playing as a newcomer, but he will be eager to change that during the 2005 campaign. As the only freshman keeper, Anthony DeMarco will learn first hand what its like to play at the collegiate level.

Defenders
Sophomore Craig Coleman's performance last season will certainly be the benchmark for the Viking defenders, both new and old, in 2005.

Traveling overseas to compliment the young Irishman will be freshmen defenders Kim Kroken and Kobi Gamliel. K.C. Bockmiller will round out the defensive unit.

Kroken's and Gamliel's experience should see them figure prominently from the outset, while Bockmiller's passing ability and field awareness will likely see his contribution increase as the season progresses. Add to this the experience, versatility, and determination of returners Tom Sadd and team captain, Mark Zambra, and the Vikings should be well served of the defensive front in `05.

"We've got a very good core of players on defense, the trick is just to find the right balance," Curtis said. "I'm very optimistic that we'll have a better defense than we've had in some time."

Midfielders
Cormac Finn, a second team all-conference pick, will lead a trio of sophomores that will bring some drive and determination to the team's midfield.

Both a healthy-again Vincent Rosati, who missed last season because of injury, and Nick Weiner, who saw his physical strength and heading ability used in more of a back-up role last season, will attempt to make an on-field impact this season.

Four newcomers will round out the Vikings' corps of midfielders, each one trying to impress the coaching staff and show their talent right away.

Roshard Gilbert brings a high-energy, fundamentally-sound presence to the center of the field. Ball-handling skills and an astute eye for a pass are qualities that spring to mind when assessing the potential impact of Burke Shultz, while both Steve Trapp and Jimmy Stannard bring athleticism, a strong work ethic, and an injection of size to the center of the field.

"We've got a group of more balanced and efficient midfielders than I've had the opportunity to field in the past," Curtis said. "That gives us a lot of good options wide as well as combinations in the middle, and that's something that is always nice to have."Curtis has also added Mario Montoya, a walk-on, who gives the team more depth at the position.

Forwards
Without a doubt, the Achilles Heel of the 2004 Viking squad was its inability to convert on scoring opportunities. It has been a long time since a Viking team created as many scoring opportunities as the 2004 side, but the lacked a natural goal scorer. Curtis believe he has found that in local striker, Nenad Stojkovic, who Curtis calls, "a guy who scores goals for fun". Stojkovic scored 97 goals during his high school career.

Add to this the natural athleticism and finishing ability of JUCO transfer Ismail Ismail, and the team will certainly hope to make up for past indiscretions in front of goal this season. Freshman, John Emery, would love to get into the action and show the coaching staff how he can utilize his quickness and his tremendous work ethic, while second-year player, Sinisa Kovanovic, will hope that his positive attitude and an unquestionable commitment to his teammates will see him add to his varsity appearances from 2004.

The Schedule
The Vikings will play seven league opponents, including four of those matches on the newly renovated Krenzler Field. Cleveland State will make league trips to UW-Green Bay, Detroit, and Loyola.

"I think the biggest challenges, by far, this season will come from within the Horizon League. While Milwaukee will still be the team to beat, I believe that Butler will be the strongest they have been in a few seasons," Curtis said. "Add to that the continued improvement of Detroit and the momentum that new coaches will give to both UIC and Loyola, and you can see the enormity of the task at hand."

The regular season begins with a trip to the Buffalo Fall Classic, where the Vikings will play two opponents from Western New York, in Canisius and Buffalo. They will travel back to the Western New York later in the season for a matchup with Niagara. The Vikings will remain in-state for non-conference matchups with Akron and Bowling Green.

The Vikings will welcome Marshall and Valparaiso to the newly-renovated Krenzler Field for non-conference matchups.

Story Provided by Brian Wolff, Cleveland State Sports Information