Men's Soccer
Charleston Favored in Men's Soccer Race
August 24, 2005
Courtesy of The WVIAC Online.
(PRINCETON, WV)-The University of Charleston is forecast by league coaches to finish atop the WVIAC men's soccer standings this season. The Golden Eagles received five of seven first place votes in a poll of WVIAC head coaches.
Salem International, last season's regular season champion, got the two remaining first place votes, and tied for second in the poll with Wheeling Jesuit. West Virginia Wesleyan placed fourth, followed by Shepherd and Davis & Elkins. Alderson-Broaddus and Ohio Valley round out the voting.
All eight starters returning at Charleston (10-8-1, 6-1) received at least honorable mention all-league accolades in 2004. Marty Martinez's crew finished second in the regular season race before capturing the school's second WVIAC Tournament title. Local product Chad Duernberger (Sr., F), a two-time first team All-WVIAC pick, leads the offense. 6'6” Brent Wilson (Soph.) is an imposing figure in goal.
Salem International (13-8-1, 7-0) looks to defend their 2004 regular season WVIAC crown behind the formidable one-two punch of forwards Milan Rakic (Jr., 21 goals in '04) and Marvin Huber (Jr., 13 goals, 10 assists in '04). Defender Jernej Kamensek (Jr.) and goalkeeper Bogdan Vdovicic key the defense for Florin Marton's Tigers.
Wheeling Jesuit (9-7-4, 2-2-3) experienced a rare down year in 2004. Seniors Jade Jones (D), Sean Regan (F), and Jeff Pniewski (M) look to turn things around for the Cardinals. A strong recruiting class, including four members of the West Virginia U-18 champion Eagles Soccer Club, could make an impact for head coach Jim Regan.
Tradition rich West Virginia Wesleyan (6-11-3, 3-3-1) has won a league-best 16 WVIAC regular season championships, but the Bobcats slumped in 2004 to an uncharacteristic sub-.500 mark. 21 letterwinners are back for head coach Gavin Donaldson, including two-time all-region junior Bond Phittayasri. Sophomore keeper George Rowley posted three shutouts as a rookie.
Shepherd (11-5-4, 3-3-1) enjoyed one of the most successful years in Ram history last season. Joseph Okoh welcomes ten starters back from that club. The offense centers around forwards Jamie Ritchie (Sr.) and Richard Smith (Jr.). Senior Ian Newman is the top defender.
Davis & Elkins (7-10-2, 1-5-1) was the third most improved club in the NCAA Division II ranks in 2004. First team All-WVIAC performers Makesi Bostic (Soph., D) and Jose Maria Cantillo (Jr., F) look to keep the Senators on the rise.
Alderson-Broaddus (6-12-0, 3-4) will rely on four senior natives of the Mountain State. Brandon Cummons, John Whitaker, Hans Schubert, and Phil Smith each are keys for the Battlers.
Ohio Valley (2-17-0, 0-7-0) will field a young squad under Dan Lyons. Midfielder Matt Oakes is the lone senior for the Fighting Scots. Sophomore Matt Kennedy led the team in scoring with six goals last season.
2005 WVIAC Men's Soccer Poll:
1. Charleston (5) 52
2. Salem International (2) 46
2. Wheeling Jesuit 46
4. West Virginia Wesleyan 34
5. Shepherd 25
6. Davis & Elkins 21
7. Alderson-Broaddus 18
8. Ohio Valley 10