2009 Yellowjacket Men’s Soccer Outlook
Optimism Abounds for ’09 Men’s Soccer

BILLINGS, Mont . - Montana State University Billings men’s soccer team brings tangible optimism to the third season in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  In his fifth season at the helm, head men’s soccer coach Dan McNally is enthused about the prospects of having his first true recruiting class playing as seniors.
           
“I think that it is a big deal that these seniors have had a lot of success and have played together for three seasons and have really transformed this team,” McNally said.  “They are really motivated to have a great senior year and we are returning a good number of players who have started a lot of games for us.” 
           
McNally considers the two key strengths of the team to be experience and flat out talent.
           
“For the first time since I’ve been at MSUB, we are going to be able to field an experienced team of juniors and seniors,” McNally said.  “Some of the sophomores and freshmen will play because some of them are excellent, but the strength of this team is the juniors and seniors who bring the needed experience to do well in Division II men’s soccer.
           
 In terms of talent, we have an outstanding group of defenders, two great goalkeepers, we’re loaded in midfield and we have, arguably, the best forward in the country, as well as great forward support.”
           
The team brings valuable lessons from experiences faced in last season’s 10-8 overall record. 
           
“We were runner-up in 2007 and we let some games get away last year, which we shouldn’t have,” McNally said.  “What we learned will add to our expertise this season.”

Forwards:
The strength up top starts with senior award-winning standout Sam Charles.  Having scored 38 goals in the last two years puts Charles up with the top D-II forwards in the country. 

“At center forward, Sam is extremely motivated to finish his career with even more success,” McNally said.  “I think that speaks volumes about this dedicated and excellent player.”

Alongside Charles, look for senior Jarred Weisen to bring excellence and support at forward. 

“Jarred proved his quality last year with a hat trick at Seattle Pacific,” McNally said.  “He’s so consistent and such a class player that I think he will finish his career really well.”

Pressure for a starting position will be brought by sophomore Garion Holian, who strengthened his performance in the offseason, and by freshman Ian Cochrane, who will define his role going forward.  Junior Marco Rosales will also add depth at forward.

Midfield:
At right midfield will be returning junior Chris Andre and junior transfer from Central Connecticut State, Ryan Covey will be at left midfield.

“Chris (Andre) is quick, has great technique and sacrificed his personal stats for the first two years for the team,” McNally said.  “As a vice captain, I want him to take a strong leadership role and I’m hoping he gets the recognition he deserves this year.”

Having played Division I for the past two years, Covey is expected to have an immediate impact.  With strong ball passing ability, good technical skills and experience, he’s not considered a first year player.
           
Competition for central midfield will be brought by senior Jeremy DeHerrera, junior Tyler Moriarty and freshmen recruits Blair Stevenson and Clifton Thomas.   McNally expects DeHerrera, who has the talent to be a dominant central midfield player, to have a big season after having dedicated so much to fitness and motivation. 

“I think Tyler (Moriarty) had huge improvement last year and will do great things this year as a junior,” McNally said. 

Expect Stevenson, a true freshman, to put his athletic aggressiveness into winning the ball back and using his technical skill in passing.  Thomas, a freshman recruit, brings outstanding technicality and an ability to dribble past opponents. 

Defense:
Zach Yeager will add strength and experience as a starter at left back.  As a transfer last season, Yeager put in impressive performances every game and showed exceptional consistency.  McNally expects ’09 to be an outstanding senior season for him.

Senior team captain Tom Milroy will dominate at center back, bringing leadership and expertise to the role. 

“Tom has been the cornerstone of the program as he leads by example,” McNally said.  "He has been an outstanding and consistent player. I really hope he finishes the season with the recognition he deserves, as he is an unbelievable player for MSUB, I have a lot of respect for Tom.”

Sophomore Ross Carmichael comes off of a year of ineligibility to partner with Yeager, bringing strength, quickness and excellence in the air, while junior James Henry strives to continue the major strides he made last year to compete at center back.
           
Look for junior Kyle Moriarty to continue the momentum from last season at right back.  Moriarty started every game last season and should have a stellar performance this year.

“Adding to the mix, we have brought in some good local freshmen,” McNally said.  “We have Will Whitworth and Cory Champney from Billings, as well as John Lawrence from Butte.  I think that by the end of the year these guys will transition to college ball and make an impact for us.”

Goalkeeper:
As the starting goalkeeper last season, junior Matt Mitchell is number one for the position.  With hard work, Mitchell has enhanced his shot stopping and has focused on improving his decision making, crosses and distribution—all aimed at becoming a “complete goalkeeper.”
           
Also slated for an outstanding season, senior Sander Tollefson will compete to play in goal with an excellent career history and high motivation. 
           
“I look for Sander (Tollefson) to push Matt (Mitchell) all the way and to have an excellent senior year,” McNally said.
           
Adding depth at goal, Michael Sheridan comes off a solid freshman year that saw steady improvement, while Daneson Gray is eligible to continue the vast improvements he made last year.

Final Thoughts:
As the Yellowjackets concentrate on advancement in the region and GNAC, they are all aware of the keen competition inherent in this league. 
           
“All five teams have talent, are well coached and competitive,” McNally said.  “I think each team believes they can win the conference this year, which will make for an exciting season.  I’m very confident that our team is motivated to achieve their goals of success for MSUB and I’m really looking forward to working with this group.  It should be an exciting season.”