Coach Liam Behrens promises a new look for the Guilford College soccer team in 1998 as the preseason roster features 15 new team members, eight of whom could end up in the starting lineup. Nine letter winners return from last year's 4-13-1 squad that Behrens took over in late August. With nearly a full year of aggressive recruiting under his belt, the second-year coach believes the new-look Quakers will be much improved from last season and well on their way to respectability.
Behrens saw a need for speed and recruited accordingly. Expect a faster, more athletic and deeper side from Guilford than in years past. The speed fits Behrens' high-pressure game, which looks to force and take advantage of mistakes made by the opposition. The 15 newcomers are here to play, not just to watch and learn, as the Quakers will require depth to maintain their intensity over the course of a 90-minute contest. Many of the rookies come from competitive club programs and are accustomed to constant challenges.
Look for the Quakers to start working with a 4-4-2 alignment, although Behrens won't rule out a 3-5-2 formation. The midfielders are vital to the success of this year's club since those players will be responsible for applying constant defensive pressure and for engaging the transition game. Guilford's backs will be solid defenders and ball handlers charged with starting the Quakers' offensive moves from its own end.
As a result of the influx of newcomers, a big question for Guilford will be cohesion and team unity. Behrens is relying on the veterans and new upperclassmen to assume leadership roles and set a positive tone for the team. A realistic goal for this club is a top-five finish in the challenging Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and a .500 record. If the Quakers reach these goals, they will be in a better position to attract more skilled players and build on their success.
Here's a preview of the 1998 team by position.
FORWARD: The newcomers may have their most pronounced effect up front where the Quakers struggled for consistency a year ago. Senior Andrew Kota led Guilford's scorers last season with five goals and an assist in 17 matches while splitting time between forward and midfield. Among the newcomers, rookies Kwame Darko and Jarred Bonica are listed as the team's only true forwards, but don't be surprised to see Jason Bailey up front on the flank. The speedy freshman from Chester, VA, figures to be on the field, but his exact spot in the lineup won't be determined until preseason workouts.
MIDFIELD: With 11 of the 24 players on the preseason roster listed as midfielders, one can safely assume the middle of the park will be the Quakers deepest position. Behrens likes the overall athleticism and skill of his midfielders and expects the new players to have an impact here as well. He will audition candidates in the preseason to fill the vacant center midfield position manned by three-time All-ODAC pick Dax Baker for the past three seasons. Senior Nathan Kota and junior Dan Neville started 16 and 18 games, respectively, in 1997, combining for nine points. Andrew Kota could also play at a midfield wing post. Improving junior Evan Kimbro did not score in 11 matches off the bench in his first season with the club last year. Senior Ben Gann came off the bench 11 times last season in limited playing time.
Behrens expects junior Jon Baker to bring playmaking and leadership from Juniata College. A native of Chapel Hill, NC, Baker returns to his home state after playing two seasons at Juniata and appearing in all 17 games as a sophomore. Bailey could also play a midfield wing position. Rookie Eric Davidson of Southold, NY, could also contribute in the midfield or on defense.
DEFENSE: The Quakers' back line features a blend of the old and the new. Senior Owen Finberg attempts to return from an injury-plagued season, which kept him out of all but one game as a junior. Sophomore Sivon Irvings came off the bench and was a spot starter for the team in 1997. Behrens has high hopes for Ray King, a freshman sweeper who comes to Guilford from Trenton, NJ, via Muhlenberg College where he did not play soccer. King is a fast and technically solid player who will ignite Guilford's attack from its own end. Expect rookies Russell Fergusson of Charlotte, NC, and Derek Hood of Huntington, WV, regularly in the lineup.
GOALKEEPER: Senior Scott Quick returns for his fourth season as the team's starting goaltender. He should benefit from an improved defense this season and will provide leadership as the club's most experienced player. Rookie Adrian Sperka of Tryon, NC serves as the understudy between the pipes.
Guilford plays its usual nine-game conference slate, which regularly features some of the top teams in the region. Last year, all but three ODAC teams registered .500 overall records or better and five schools were ranked among the top 10 in the region in the final National Soccer Coaches Association poll. Defending league champion Virginia Wesleyan won its fifth title in the last eight years and received its seventh NCAA Tournament bid in 1997. Roanoke, Hampden-Sydney and Eastern Mennonites also traditionally field talented sides. Outside of the ODAC, the Quakers take on Division II St. Andrew's College to open the season and later host NAIA competitor Montreat.