Fresno State Athletics
2001 Men's Soccer Season Outlook
8/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 22, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - Men's Soccer Defines Relentless
The 2001 team features a broad core of 11 returning players. Most significantly are the seven returning starters, whose collective experience translates into a durable and hardened backbone of central players capable of leading the `Dogs to an Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Conference Championship and the program's 15th NCAA berth.
The resolve and focus of this team to return to dominance and it is evident in the spine of the team. In soccer, the term "spine" is used in reference to the central channel of players who are vital to the unity and efficiency of the entire team. From back to front, the `Dogs have experience and talent in each third of the field. The positive result of several recruiting classes is evident in the 2001 squad.
It would be difficult to find a player with more focus and passion than returning goalkeeper junior Jeremy Proud. At the base of the defensive end of the "spine", Proud returns for his third season as the starting keeper. He earned all-conference accolades in 2000. "Proud's work ethic and commitment to reaching new levels will pose a major challenge to the opposition's scoring efforts," noted head coach Dave Chesler. Senior Curt Posey returns for his senior year as a tactically mature and imposing central defender. "Curt's practical knowledge of our defending system as well as his intensity and commitment earned him a starting role in 2000." Running alongside Posey in the back line is sophomore Justin Sorsabal. Sorsabal returns as a veteran after having achieved first-team all-conference in his first season. He was the only freshman in the entire conference to earn first-team honors. "Justin's mobility, tackling and distribution out of the back are assets that he has taken to a new level as he enters his second season," commented Chesler.
Moving forward along the spine of the 2001 team are two exceptional midfield players in senior Noah Delgado and junior Kupono Low. "This duo knows one another like no other pair in the conference...having played together for over a decade. They are the foundation of the team's midfield engine," emphasized Chesler. This duo will be fully tested early in the season as they take the field against two of the top programs in the country- in defending national champion Connecticut and Stanford. Delgado and Low rank in the top group of midfield pairs in the west region. Their influence in our attacking scheme is evident in their skill and ability to dictate the tempo of a match.
Changing the pace in the central positions and with exceptional speed on the flanks, the squad will feature the likes of Makoto Anderson. Anderson may certainly be characterized as explosive. This speedy and mobile junior will likely move to a forward position. Here the `Dogs can take advantage of his quickness and ability to serve crosses from the left flank. The forward has two years of outstanding experience in the program and will provide an important model to the new flank players and strikers. Two other Central Valley products, twins Jeremiah and Joshua LeRoy, enter the program as sophomore transfers. "Jeremiah and Joshua are both strong, physical and very direct players, said Chesler. Not only are they identical in physical attributes, but in their fiercely competitive nature as well." Additional goals are likely to come from freshman teammates Forrest Smith and Eddie Gutierrez. Smith was one of the top recruits out of Southern California. As a prolific goal-scorer during his senior season, he achieved All-CIF and Offensive MVP. "Smith has outstanding physical dimensions and his pace is deceptive with and without the ball," commented Chesler. Gutierrez led Porterville High School to a Valley Championship and early indications are that he is likely to continue providing goals and excitement for Bulldog Soccer supporters. "Gutierrez is creative with the ball at his feet, very quick to turn under pressure and has demonstrated that he can already compete with veteran players."
The `Dogs are known for their persistence toward excelling on the field and resisting incessant pressure from opponents. Veterans junior Derek Lopez and sophomore Ni?o Rivas have shown the determination and desire to endure and power through lengthy injury rehabilitation. Lopez persisted through a back injury as a medical redshirt during the 2000 season. Chesler welcomes back the play of Lopez. "His physical strength, athleticism and knowledge of our playing system are assets that may be used in several different positions within the Bulldog lineup." Rivas recently was released to full participation following a severe ankle injury in the spring. His aggressive and determined rehab attitude is an inspiration to the entire team. "Ni?o will be working very aggressively to regain a starting role in the back line of our defense."
Sophomores Mat Herold and Ernie Vega are eager to display their talents in the attacking realm. Following a season of knee surgery and rehab Herold will make a strong push to start as a midfielder. Vega returns as a confident and decisive sophomore with outstanding physical and technical ability. He will be a likely candidate to play in the back as a flank defender. "Herold brings skill and incredible passion to our team and Vega will look to take his outstanding technical ability to the back." Sophomore Scott Scigliano (alias "Skiggs") is returning with a vengeance to prove that his likeness to a world class player like Giggs, is not a misnomer! "Scott is capable of delivering quality crosses and executing dangerous runs on the left flank."
The future has arrived with newcomers like Robert Santos, Dan Oka, Nick Garcia and Blake Perry. Three are from the San Jose, Calif., area and all three are proven high level recruits. "They will make a significant contribution in midfield as freshman." Oka's skill and creativity will serve a similar role to 2000 leading scorer Delgado while Santos complements his attacking skill with an aggressive and firm defending mentality. Garcia will compete for playing time on the left side of midfield. The rookie squad is rounded out with Brandon Kwock and Visalia, Calif., product Keith Terrill, who may serve dual roles in midfield. Both are very capable of playing in the back line if needed.
Two additional key recruits for 2001 will play at the back of the Bulldog formation- freshmen Blake Perry and Eric Kronberg. Perry is an outstanding candidate to start as a freshman at left back. "Perry is very consistent in his tackling and is a constant threat to come forward in a dangerous attacking role." At 6-5 Kronberg presents an imposing obstacle in the goal-mouth. "This talented and highly recruited goalkeeper will be training and competing to replace the current outstanding goalkeeper, Jeremy Proud." Proud has just two seasons remaining to play.
The 2001 squad is full of talented and skilled players who have spent quality time of the field prior to playing at Fresno State. Explosiveness, relentlessness and determination are words that come to mind whenever this group takes the pitch. With the schedule they have to look forward to, such words will need to be put into action en route to a conference championship and NCAA College Cup.
