Aug. 20, 2001

Coming off their most successful season in school history, the 2001 men's soccer team seems poised to continue its prosperity. The Seawolves competed in a Division I conference for the first time last season as a member of the Atlantic Soccer Conference, but a key ingredient was missing from that league--an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Now, as Stony Brook University prepares for its first season as a member of the America East Conference, the men's soccer team has its eye on two attractive and attainable prizes--a conference championship and the chance for postseason play.

BUILDING ON EXPERIENCE

Stony Brook loses just three starters from last year's squad, making this year's team one of the most experienced and mature in recent history.

Twelve upperclassmen comprise the 2001 roster, while five Seawolves have at least two years of playing experience. In addition, four of the eight newcomers are junior college transfers.

"Having an experienced team makes a huge difference," head coach Scott Dean said. "We have so many returning players who all know the system and all know each other, which is very important. That makes the transition in preseason much easier and we can progress a little faster. It's easier on the younger guys as well, because they have a bunch of older teammates to look to for leadership."

ON THE ATTACK

One of the Seawolves' strengths last season was its balanced scoring attack, as SBU's 32 goals were spread very evenly among its top six scorers. Sophomore striker Shane Arikian led the way with seven goals, and midfielder/forward Everett Watts wasn't far behind with five. While Watts will see most of his playing time in the midfield, he will move up front at times to provide a quick scoring punch. Junior Kevin Cameron also has the potential to be a prolific scorer for SBU.

"Within the scheme of things, I'm confident that Shane, Everett and Kevin will each have a better year in terms of goals scored," Dean said. "They should each increase their individual output. But our scoring will still be very balanced. We don't want to rely on one or two guys to do it all."

Junior college transfer Worthy Boateng, who scored seven goals during his career as a defender at SUNY Old Westbury, will also see action at forward, as will freshman Jude Osei Bonsu.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

The midfield appears to be one of the key ingredients to this year's success. In addition to Watts, returning starters David Mittan and Jamie Gaither will continue to be reliable, along with juniors Bryan Baracaldo and Ivan Perez. The quick and tireless Gaither scored in each of Stony Brook's first three contests last year and should continue to be a scoring threat. Perez, last year's Most Improved Player, should continue to provide a spark off the bench, and Baracaldo's hard work in the off-season is expected to pay off on the field.

Most of the incoming class will play in the midfield. While Bonsu will split time in the midfield and up front, junior George Cobourne and freshman Mike Salvador should make an immediate impact at defensive midfielder. Akil Jordan and freshman Dustin Tibbs--a two-year All-State selection--will also contend for starting positions.

"Akil, Mike and George will make their presence known immediately," Dean said. "The talent of the freshmen combined with the experience and knowledge of our returners should make us very strong in the midfield."

IN THE BACK

Defense was the story last season, as Stony Brook gave up just 16 goals and shut out 10 opponents. While the Seawolves will be without All-ASC and All-NSCAA selection Jermaine Wright, starting backs Kenyatta Montgomery, Kwame Richardson and Johan Thomsson all return for their senior seasons.

But the story of SBU's defensive unit doesn't end there. With eight backs on the roster, the Seawolves will be able to throw off their opponents with various lineups.

Last year, Richardson and Thomsson each started 17 games and Montgomery got the nod in 15, but plenty other Seawolves return with significant game experience.

Sophomore Steve Fable played in nine games while Dave King saw action in 13. Junior Jesper Axelsson will also continue to see action in the back.

Dean expects SBU's returning backs along with newcomers Worthy Boateng and Randy Cyrus to collectively help fill the void left by Wright.

"We hope Randy can step in and help fill a big part of that hole," Dean said. "But we also have enough returning players that our defense will continue to be a strength for us. Not having Jermaine is definitely a key loss, but we are solid enough at the position to overcome it."

BETWEEN THE PIPES

Asking sophomore Dan Ferrin to repeat his outstanding performance from a year ago would be a tall request. Ferrin racked up the accolades during his freshman season, receiving NSCAA All-Region and SoccerAmerica All-Freshman Team honors after posting a GAA of just 0.81 and recording a school-record 10 shutouts. The honors keep coming this fall as Ferrin was named preseason All-America by Collegesoccer.com. "Last year would be very difficult for Dan to match," Dean said. "He'll continue to do well, but just because he may not get 10 shutouts doesn't mean he won't have a successful season. He has a solid group in front of him again this season and we're confident he'll continue to do the job he's capable of doing."

Sophomore Matt Thibdeau, who saw action in three games in 2000, may play an increased role this fall.

"Matt has been doing well in the off-season and we have 100 percent confidence in his ability to step in for Dan and get the job done," Dean said.

COMPETING IN THE AMERICA EAST

The Seawolves played three America East teams last year, defeating Northeastern and Towson and tying archrival Albany. With the excitement of a potential conference title and opportunity to advance to the NCAA Tournament, Dean and the Seawolves are looking forward to the challenge conference play presents.

"Playing for not only a conference championship but to get into the NCAA Tournament is big-time motivation," Dean said. "We've played some of these teams before and we know we can compete with them. But it's a strong conference, there are no weak teams. We are definitely optimistic but we can't be overconfident. There are a lot of good teams and we need to show up every weekend to be successful. There are no games we can take off."

LOFTY GOALS IN 2001

Last year's Seawolves took a lot of opponents, not to mention national media and fans, by storm with their success. While this year's squad won't have the element of surprise in its arsenal, Dean still approaches the fall with excitement and anticipation.

"A lot of teams know who we are now," Dean said. "But just the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament will motivate our team. They know it's not an easy task to get there, and they are all under the notion that no one will be surprised by us. But we know if we come out every game and play how we are capable of playing, the NCAA Tournament is very much within our grasp."