Men's Soccer Preview Part 6: UW-Green Bay
Aug. 30, 2005
The UW-Green Bay men's soccer team looks to build upon its hot start in 2004, when the Phoenix won three of its first five matches. The squad saw marked improvement under first-year head coach Tom Poitras as the team climbed out from the basement of the Horizon League and posted an overall mark of 5-11-2.
With a year of experience under the new system, 12 returnees, including seven starters, will be a solid foundation for Poitras in his second season. Added to the mix is a recruiting class of 14 newcomers, including nine All-State selections and a pair of Canadian junior national team players.
SENIORS
Four seniors will take the pitch for the Phoenix this season, led by three-year starting midfielder Bati Tola. As attested by his team-best five assists in a 2004 season hampered by injury, Tola is a main factor in the team's offensive success.
Defender and second team Academic All-American Adam Ben-Zikri had an impact on the attack last fall, tallying back-to-back game-winning goals to start the season as a defensive midfielder. On and off the field, Ben-Zikri is a leader for the Phoenix.
A three-year starting central defender, senior David Chin will again anchor the Phoenix backs in 2005.
Dave Palmer will have an opportunity to take over the role of starting goalkeeper in his final campaign as a collegian. Last season, Palmer earned his first career win with a three-save effort against Loyola Sept. 17.
JUNIORS
First team all-Horizon Leaguer Joshua Okoampa led the Phoenix in scoring last season and will again be called upon to pace the Phoenix attack.
In his first season with the Phoenix, midfielder Michael Lepera earned Horizon League all-newcomer team honors after finishing fourth on the team in scoring, seeing action in 16 games, making 13 starts.
Drew Anderson made his first season count as a starter on the defense, shutting down the right side. Anderson was one of just four players to take the field in all 18 games, starting 17 matches.
After two seasons as a reserve, midfielder Colin O'Brien will be looked upon to step up and provide depth in the midfield.
SOPHOMORES
Leading the sophomore class are fellow Horizon League all-newcomer team selections Glenn Herzog and Lati Ziba. Between them, Herzog and Ziba totalled 33 starts last year and will bring experience to the midfield.
Aiding the depth of the midfield and defense are John Vasquez and Ryan Burke. Vasquez saw action in 13 contests last fall as a midfielder while Burke, who will see time at both the midfield and defensive spots, begins his Phoenix career after one season at St. Louis Community College at Meramec.
Despite seeing action in just one game last season, goalkeeper Josh Loyd will be a top candidate for a starting spot in front of the Phoenix nets.
FRESHMEN
Poitras brought in 13 freshmen in his 2005 recruiting class, which features elite players not only from Wisconsin, but North America.
Five freshman forwards are featured on the Phoenix roster, highlighted by Canadian junior national player Tosaint Ricketts. Four All-State attackers join the mix, including Illinois' Mike McCormack, Minnesota native Jamari Brinson and Wisconsin products Ray Hibbler and Kieven Sperry.
In the midfield, two additions will provide depth to an already experienced center of the park. Jacob Rouse was an All-State selection in Minnesota while Tyler Rosenberg arrives to UW-Green Bay from Grafton, Wis. Rosenberg can also play in the defense.
With veterans David Chin and Adam Ben-Zikri set to graduate after this year, four defenders come to UW-Green Bay in hopes of having an early impact. Kyle Bartkus has experience at a high level after playing for the Canadian junior national team. Nebraska native Mark Finochiaro and Wisconsin prep Steve Hennessy both earned All-State accolades, while defender Aaron Bliss will also aid in the Phoenix midfield.
Coach Poitras added a pair of goalkeepers to battle for time between the pipes. Matias Wilson arrives in Green Bay after a stellar prep career in Florida while in-stater Adam Stikl was a Masonic All-Star as a senior.
SCHEDULE
Seven home games are slated for the Phoenix in 2005, starting with the its UW-Green Bay Nike Classic on the Labor Day weekend. The Phoenix will face Eastern Illinois in the first game of the event Sept. 3 and will challenge Sacred Heart on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Just one other non-conference game is tabbed for UW-Green Bay at home this fall when Western Michigan comes to town in late September. Horizon League challengers Cleveland State, Detroit, UIC and UW-Milwaukee will face the Phoenix at home.
UW-Green Bay heads out for 10 road games, including a two-game swing through Colorado to face Air Force and Denver. Along with non-league opponents Northern Illinois, Marquette, IPFW, IUPUI and Wisconsin, the Phoenix will travel to face Horizon League opponents Butler, Wright State and Loyola.
Story Provided by Sheila Blackman, UW-Green Bay Sports Information
