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2007 Men's Soccer Preview
With eight returning starters, the Olivet College men’s soccer team looks to improve on its 2006 overall record of 4-15.

“There are two things that we are going to look to improve on to have a successful season,” said Head Coach Bill Boyle. “The first thing is team chemistry. The guys need to get along and play as a team. The second thing is size. We have a lot more height on this team that should be able to help us win more balls in the air.”

The Comets welcome back sophomore Josh Van Wagner (Jackson/Lumen Christi), who tied for the team lead last year with 12 points, recording a team-high six goals.

“Josh had a great freshman year,” Boyle said. “This year, I am counting on him a lot to not only create goals but score more goals.”

Also returning to play up front in the midfield are senior Andrew Lansang (Rock Springs, Wyo./Rock Springs) and juniors Brian Knechtges (Williamston) and Graham Lockwood (Haslett/Williamston). Last year, Lockwood topped the team with four assists. After being asked to play goalkeeper last year, senior Michael Manning (Charlotte) is returning to the midfield position in 2007.

Senior Corey Evans (Mason), a two-time second-team All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection, and junior Andrew Evans (Eastport/Petoskey) played defense last year, but move up the field this year to play in the midfield. Last year, Andrew Evans had two goals and one assist.

“We switched to a 5-3-2 system,” says Boyle. “The change allows Andrew and Corey to play to their strengths. It also gives us players with a high skill level up front.”

The defensive efforts are led by seniors Marcus Matthews (Buckley) and Ryan Scott (Williamston) along with freshman Colin Yake (Plainwell).

“Marcus, Ryan and Colin give us a solid group of defenders,” Boyle says. “Along with our goalkeeper, they are going to be counted on to stop the ball and get it up to the offense.”

After sitting out the entire 2006 season due to an injury, sophomore Ethan Felsing (Mason) takes over the goalkeeping duties. After his senior season at Mason, Felsing earned first-team Division II honors from the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association. Manning is serving as Felsing’s backup. A year ago, Manning made 130 saves and recorded a 1.93 goals against average.

“Ethan is as healthy as he can be,” said Boyle. “It is huge that we will have him in goal. We can now put Mike in the field, where he will bring us energy and give us a spark.”

In addition to Yake, freshmen Robert Ching (Elsie/Ovid-Elsie), Bernardo Mandijuo (Holt), Matt Manning (Charlotte) and Mike May (Mason) are all expected to contribute.