2000 MEN'S SOCCER OUTLOOK
Fresh off its most successful season in 13 years, Guilford's men's soccer team is poised to take another step forward in 2000. The Quakers return nine letter winners from last season's 9-10 club, which enjoyed a six-win turnaround from the previous campaign. Guilford captured a school-record four Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) wins and returned to the ODAC Tournament after a one-year absence. The Quakers lost a pair of first-team all-league players in Ray King and Dax Baker, but Coach Liam Behrens suspects some of his 16 newcomers can adequately fill the voids.
In addition to upgrading his talent with an influx of new players, Behrens improved the Quakers' schedule in 2000 with the addition of two Division II opponents (Catawba and Lincoln Memorial) and perennial NCAA Division III power and cross-town rival Greensboro College. Defending ODAC tournament champ and NCAA playoff participant Virginia Wesleyan highlights the league slate. Guilford raised some eyebrows a year ago with a 2-1 overtime upset of the Marlins in Norfolk. The upgraded schedule helps the Quakers attract greater national and regional attention.
Behrens expects a fairly young side to take the field against Methodist in his teams September 2 season opener. As many as seven rookies could start in Guilford's first game, but Behrens believes his team will challenge for a top spot in the ODAC standings and regional rankings. The new players bring athleticism and passion, which the coach noticed in their willingness to train and play year round. Their common desire breeds unity and blends well with the veterans, who must help new players make the transition to the college game.
The new players increase Guilford's speed and depth. The Quakers' bench only went 12 or 13 players deep last season, but Behrens hopes to use as many as 15 to 17 players regularly. More capable players create a competitive air in practice, where starting positions are won and lost, and help Guilford better sustain its intensity over a 90-minute match. The midfield figures to be the Quakers' deepest position, especially on the flanks, where Behrens will be counting on the rookies for more speed and skill than last year's wings.
Guilford has its most experience in the back, which is good news for the freshman goaltender that wins the job in preseason. Senior Brandon Costilow returns at sweeper and made good strides as a leader last year, a desperately needed skill for this young team. Junior Kwame Darko begins his second year at right back, after playing at forward and midfield as a freshman. An excellent one-on-one defender, Darko is reading the game better, which allows him to use his speed and join the attack. Sophomore Damian Levy, the Quakers' physical stopper, must also learn when to go. Kwame's younger brother, Ampofo Darko, joins fellow rookies T.J. Muse and Jason Varney as candidates to fill the left back position. Rookies Peter Ferrante and Ryan Fitzgibbons battle for starting goaltender duties. Ferrante, of Wilmington, DE, helped his St. Mark's School team to a 1999 state title.
Sophomore Noam Sorek, Guilford's top returning scorer from last year, occupies one central midfield spot, alongside classmate Steve Harrison, a converted back. Perhaps the best technical player on the team, Sorek needs to improve on his six goals of a year ago in the absence of King, who scored 24 time in two seasons. While Sorek serves as the chief offensive player in the middle of the park, Harrison handles defensive responsibilities. He enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with three goals and an assist, including tallies in each of the Quakers' final two games.
The flank positions are wide open with juniors Phil Haralam and Russell Fergusson leading a cast of speedy freshmen, including Nate Bynum and Steve Chaconas. Behrens plans to use four flank players per game to generate more of an attack from the outside.
Look for freshmen at the top of Guilford's lineup in 2000, as there are no returning forwards. Rookies Robert Orum, of Silver Spring, MD, and Karl Smith, of Chesapeake, VA, will get a long look up front. Varney, Roanoke's Chris Newton and Zac Snyder, of nearby Lexington, NC, could also figure into the forward mix. Raleigh's Tim Imafidon, a 6-2 goal-scorer, adds a physical presence up top.
Given the glut of new players, Behrens scheduled three preseason scrimmages to give his team a chance to gel under game conditions. The Quakers take on Division I High Point and Elon, plus Louisburg Junior College, before the season opens.
