By definition, experience is gained from what a player has observed or encountered. For a typical college freshman and sophomore soccer player, experience is earned on the sidelines and in training, while the veterans play on the field. Yet, for the young players on this year’s Bloomsburg men’s soccer team, no such luxury has been afforded. With only three seniors returning and no juniors, the Huskies will be have one of their youngest squads on the pitch this season, bringing with them a myriad of new faces that will have the weight of the team thrust upon them.
“Our team is real young,” notes Head Coach Paul Payne, referring to the distinct lack of upperclassmen returning this season. “A lot of our younger players may not be the biggest, but they’ve got some pace. We use a quote quite often here at Bloomsburg that says ‘winners find ways, losers find excuses’ and I’m confident this young group will find a way to get the job done.”
A shortage of seniority does not mean there will not be any star players. Bloomsburg’s returns some skillful players, and the potential for a breakout freshman is not to be underestimated. “Every year there seems to be at least one person that you don’t expect a lot out of,” explains Payne. “They come in and they press and they get the job done. Hopefully that happens again this year.”
At forward, sophomore Bryce Shaffer (Gettysburg, Gettysburg Area) is the most notable face returning for the Huskies. His versatility will allow Payne to move him around to find where to use his talents best. Expect to see him log significant playing time at forward, while classmates Cale Bauer (Fleetwood, Fleetwood), Theo Guillory (McKnightstown, Gettysburg), and Francis Miller (Doylestown, Central Bucks East) will provide additional speed. Freshman Anthony Manero could also be a strong target up front.
Senior Tom Kovack is a strong, dominant player who returns to provide leadership to the midfield. Sophomores Alex Ruhfass and Tom Natter were regular starters last season and are back again, while freshman will likely see playing time as well as newcomers Matt Cannon (Wrightstown, Council Rock North) and Bradley Pratzner (Wallingford, Strath Haven).
What he lacks in size, senior defender Tim Pfender (Langhorne, Neshaminy), a 2009 All PSAC East selection, makes up in heart, setting the tone for the Bloomsburg backfield. Joining him will be classmate John Fitzgerald (Budd Lake, NJ, Mount Olive), who also brings great personality to the field and carries momentum into the season following an excellent spring. Sophomores John Owens (Jamison, Central Bucks East) and Brian Savage (Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown Area) are back again, while freshmen Michael Del Sordi (Scotch Plains, NJ, Scotch Plains-Fanwood) and Carter Stein (Blandon, Fleetwood) may be able to step in and play right away.
The Huskies will have a new face in goal, as a number of freshmen will compete for playing time, including Bernie Roell (Douglassville, Daniel Boone), Ramon Lobo Jr. (Dillsburg, Northern), and Kyle Pepper (Reading, Exeter). The fierce competition for the starting keeper position will ensure the team is solid between the pipes.
The future of the season is uncertain for the 2010 Bloomsburg squad. Following their 2009 runner-up finish in the PSAC East, the Huskies have been slotted seventh in the pre-season coaches’ poll. The conference has returned to a single-division format that pits all ten teams against each other in a single overall ranking, ensuring that every game carries significant implications. “With the return to a one division conference, the battle for a PSAC playoff spot is that much more intense,” predicts Payne. “Our focus will be to deal with each match one at a time. Rankings mean nothing once a match starts and we plan to use our youth and desire to prove just that.”
The Huskies open their conference schedule with a tough match against Millersville at home on September 17. The Mauraders were a close-second in pre-season polls and will quickly challenge Payne’s roster management. One month later, BU hosts preseason-favorite Mercyhurst, in the final home game of the season on October 19, in what could be the young Huskies’ chance to make a permanent mark on the postseason berths.
Coach Payne will have tough decisions to make as the season approaches, but he understands the importance of taking matters one at a time. “Each season starts with no wins, no losses, and each game’s nil-nil”—wise words from the voice of experience.