2009 Season Preview
The 2009 edition of the Trojans men's soccer team will feature some fresh faces after head coach Gary Ross filled the vacancies left by six graduates from last year's squad. With the personnel changes and upgraded schedule Ross is "cautiously optimistic" about the new season.
The offensive firepower could prove to be the strength of the team with sophomore forward Tyler Beachler leading the way after posting the second most goals on the team (10) and landing a spot on the All-Conference Second Team following his freshman campaign. Freshman Joel Ritz will join Beachler on the frontline. Ritz hails from Cincinnati where he led the largest Cincinnati division (GMAC) in scoring.
Sophomore Bruce Briggs and senior co-captains Beck Joslin and Stephen Groves will likely be joined by international transfer Ian Perrotte in the midfield.
With strong scorers up front and returners anchoring the midfield, it is important for the entirely new defensive line to gel quickly. Junior Joel Pincomb will grace the defensive unit alongside sophomore Daniel Miller and newcomer Danny Torres.
"A lot of our success depends on the back line playing together and working with the keeper to keep the ball out of the net," Ross said.
That keeper is 6-5 sophomore Josh Giuliano who appeared in 10 games as a freshman, leading the team with 48 saves.
The Trojan faithful will notice a consistently more competitive schedule than in recent years, and Ross plans to continue that trend this season.
"Prior to the last few years the schedule hadn't been as competitive," Ross said. "Now we are looking to play the best competition around to see what's out there."
That competition includes the program's first ever meeting with Wheaton College in early September as a part of the Wheaton Invitational. The trip to Chicago will also pit Taylor against one of the most successful NAIA soccer programs in the country in Judson University, who they defeated 5-1 last season.
"We've proven we can play at that level with some teams," Ross said of last year's victory. "We are looking for consistency though."
Matches with McKendree University and 2008 national tournament Sweet Sixteen participant Notre Dame College (Ohio) will also highlight the early-season non-conference schedule.
The 2009 season kicks off on August 22 when Taylor plays host to Indiana Tech at 1 pm.