2007 Season Review

The Taylor men’s soccer team put together a very successful campaign in 2007.  After losing three starters from the 2006 team, the returning players were led by senior captains Bryan Miller, Nate Miller, and Benj Petroelje in a rigorous off-season training program that resulted in a season worth remembering. 

The Trojans were consistently ranked third in the region and were in the top four every week of the 2007 season.  They improved on a 4-12-2 record in 2006 to go 12-5-2 in 2007.  The team finished second in the final Mid-Central Conference standings, going 5-2-1 in conference play.   

Five players were recognized by the MCC following the regular season:  Senior Nate Miller and junior Jon Hughes were named to the first team while junior Joe Voldrich, junior Nate Aucker, and senior Benj Petroelje earned second-team honors.  Petroelje and Nate Miller were also named second team All-Region VIII.

Coach Gary Ross’ squad finished the season with a 7-1-1 record at home, 5-4-1 on the road, scored 35 goals (16 more than last year), led the MCC in conference shutouts with four, and led the MCC in overall shutouts with eight.  The eight shutouts recorded by the Trojans ranked them 7th in the nation in shutouts per game. 

Petroelje led the conference in saves, shutouts, and goals against average while Hughes scored 7 goals in conference play and 11 overall, leading in both categories. 

Despite losing three expected contributors prior to the season opener, the team proved resilient to obstacles all season long.  They came from behind by two goals twice early in the season, resulting in an away win versus Malone and a tie against West Virginia Tech.  The Trojans completed one of the most thrilling victories in recent years with a come-from-behind double overtime win on the road against Brescia.

As the team enters the 2007-08 off-season, it will be crucial for them to repeat the effort they gave last off-season.  This year’s junior class looks to lead the Trojans toward even more success in 2008.