The Rocket

Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Nate Daymut Senior captain Patrick Cormac dribbles out of trouble during first-half action against California. The Rock and Cal fought to a 0-0 draw Wednesday night at N.Kerr Thompson Stadium. [Click to enlarge]

In 2005, the Rock men's soccer team captured its first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title in 31 years thanks to the play of some young and untested sophomores.

Those same sophomores are now game-hardened seniors trying to lead a veteran-laden group to its third-consecutive PSAC playoff appearance.

With eight seniors on the roster, the Rock finished with an 11-8-1 overall record in 2006 (10-5-1 in the PSAC) plenty of experience to rely on. Experience however, doesn't always lead to success and there are many questions that need to be addressed if they are going to make a run at the playoffs.

One of the questions Head Coach Matt Thompson needs to answer is on the defensive side of the ball, where the Rock lost three of its top defenders from a year ago. Anchoring the backfield is senior Jeff Hamley, the only returning starter from last year.

"It has been tough on the defensive side, due in part to one of our top recruits deciding to stay close to home, but we have a solid group that can step in and play," Thompson said. "Derek Angus, although listed as a freshman, has a lot of experience playing overseas and I expect him to come in and become one of our more dependable players."

Along with Angus and Hamley, seniors Joe Ross, Mike Monte and freshman Toby Bowser are all expected to see significant playing time in the defensive backfield.

"Toby has been playing a lot back there and has done a good job, and I fully expect Joe and Mike to step up and become leaders in the back," Thompson said.

Not only must Thompson break in a new core of defenders, but he also must do it with his third new goalie in three years, true freshman Greg Blum.

Continued...

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