MEN'S SOCCER PREVIEW

MEN'S SOCCER PREVIEW

2009 Men's Soccer Preview
A new era begins this fall for the Olivet College men’s soccer program in 2009, as Chad Wiseman begins his first season as the Comets’ head coach. Wiseman came to Olivet after spending the last six seasons as an assistant men’s coach at Western Michigan University.
Olivet returns nine letterwinners from last year’s team, which finished with a winning record for just the fourth time in school history. This group is a great nucleus that will be joined by 16 newcomers who are hungry to contribute.

Forwards
Offensively, junior Mike May (Mason) returns after earning first-team Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) honors last year and second-team All-MIAA honors in 2007. He has led the Comets in scoring each of his first two years in the red and white, scoring 20 career goals and tallying 11 assists for 51 points. Look for sophomore Ross Cutler (Ann Arbor/Pioneer) to make the transition to play up top as well.

“Obviously Mike is going to be depended on to score goals,” said Wiseman. “Teams are well aware of whom he is, so having another weapon up top with him with will be key. We have several high energy players coming into the team that will compete for time up top.”

Midfielders
Of last years starting midfield, only senior Andrew Evans (Eastport/Petoskey) and junior Clay Robinson (Marshall) return to the Olivet Comets, opening the door for newcomers to step in right away and contribute in the middle. Freshmen Matt Garza (Pinckney/Saline) and Kyle Ellingham (Richmond/Armada) should compete for minutes.

“We have a young midfield,” says Wiseman. “We will have to sort a lot out during preseason, but we definitely have some viable options.”

Defense
The defense is anchored by junior goalkeeper Ethan Felsing (Mason), who has played nearly every minute in goal for the Comets the last two seasons and was a 2008 second-team All-MIAA selection. He has collected 206 saves, while posting a 1.73 goals against average.

“Ethan has proved that he is a very solid goalkeeper at this level,” said Wiseman. I expect him to step up into a leadership role this season as well as mentor some of our freshman goalkeepers coming into the team.”

The defensive line has the most experience returning. Junior Matt Jenca (Lansing/Holt) and sophomores Chase Anthes (Ludington) and Anthony Sovis (Williamston) are all going see playing time on defense. Junior Matt Manning (Charlotte) will be looked upon to lead the backline. Freshmen Jake Jensen (Vicksburg) and Cole Dehen (Kentwood/East Kentwood) bring great size and athletic ability to the team, so look for them to compete for playing time right away.

“This season we are going to have to depend on our back line to lead our team,” says Wiseman. “We have the players to be a tough defensive team. They have good speed and players with good feet and experience.”