Cougar Men's Soccer Season Preview 2014

Cougars v. Blackburn College, Sunday, Aug. 31, 1:00 PM
Live Stats - http://www.sidearmstats.com/cuchicago/msoc/xlive.htm
Video - www.cuchicago.edu/live

Concordia-Chicago men's soccer coach Micah Middendorf approaches the 2014 season, his seventh in River Forest, with a 30-man roster that features a mix of returning talent and promising group of freshmen and transfers.

"The foundation is there," says Middendorf. "We just need to put everything together at this point. I have been sending the message to players that we have work to do, but they need to trust the process and move forward. We will be in a good spot if we do that."

KEYS TO SUCCESS
Middendorf points to three keys to success this season. The first key focuses on defensive foundation, of which he says, "Defense is predicated on organization and energy."

The second key is the moment of transition, which requires working together. "We need to be in sync with each other so that when we have the opportunity to go from defense to offense, we recognize and react as quickly as possible," notes Middendorf.

The third point is getting the ball forward quickly. "We need to strike at the opponent's goal before they are able to set their defense," says Middendorf.
Finally, Middendorf said, "With all the freshmen and transfers, there is always going to be competition for playing time and starting jobs. Everyone needs to be on their game in practice as well as matches and keep a high competitive edge."

FORWARDS
Senior DeAndre McLaurin (Joliet, IL/Joliet West H.S.) is the lone returner up top and will lead the forward line as the center forward in the new 4-1-4-1 formation this year. His job will be to stretch the defense of the opposition so that other players can fill in the gaps. "We expect a lot out of him this year and he is fully capable of performing," said Middendorf.

Middendorf said about the newcomers, "Justin Kulpa (Wilmington, IL/H.S.) comes in with a great high school resume. He has all the athletic gifts to be successful." Two additional freshman forwards are Martin Vargas (Cicero, IL/Morton East) and Chris Arevalo (Chicago, IL/St. Patrick).


MIDFIELDERS  
Captain and senior Brendan Mullane (Park Ridge, IL/Maine South) was the leading scorer on the squad last year with eight goals and 19 points but will move into more of a midfield role in the new formation. "We are looking for him to score a lot of goals out of the midfield," said Middendorf.

Another forward from the 2013 season with previous midfield experience is junior Joey Malme (Green Bay, WI/NEW Lutheran). "Joey came on strong at the end of the year last year and we are looking for him to continue improving," said Middendorf. Junior Hector Godinez (Indian Head Park, IL/Lyons Township) returns as does senior Pedro Berrera (Cicero, IL/Morton East), the latter returning to the team after two years off. "Pedro started every match as a freshman. He is technically very gifted and a very dangerous player in the midfield," said Middendorf. A transfer from Loras College, Nick Cardenas (Hoffman Estates, IL/H.S.), is expected to do big things. "I am looking for Nick to establish himself in the first team as the season progresses," said Middendorf.

"The incoming freshmen are an exciting blend or talent and enthusiasm," proclaimed Middendorf. "We are looking for them to integrate into the midfield and contribute throughout the season." The incoming freshman include Johnson Lui (Hong Kong/St Paul Lutheran, MO), Fabian Robles (Cicero, IL/ St Joseph), Ricardo Aragon (Cicero, IL/Morton East), and Joey O'Hannigan (South Bend, IN/John Adams).

DEFENDERS
The Cougars will maintain significant game experience on the back line. Senior Dylan Pavlisin (Orange, CA/Orange Lutheran) "needs to be a leader on the team because he understands the system and what to do," said Middendorf.

Defensive help will come from senior Manny Valdez (Brookfield, IL/St. Joseph), junior Victor Crouch (Gibson City, IL/H.S.), and junior Diego Diaz (Cicero, IL/Morton East). Of Diaz, Middendorf states that "we will expect a lot out of Diego  on defense and a strong involvement in the attack."

Of this year's new class of players, Middendorf says that "I expect freshmen to step into roles through the season. They are serious understudies that have a valuable role as the season progresses." The incoming freshmen are Enrique Vasquez (Stickney, IL/Cristo Rey), Diego Ramirez (Chicago,
IL/Lincoln Park), and Daniel Krajewski (Addison, IL/Addison Trail).

GOALKEEPERS
There are two candidates that will compete for the goalkeeping position. Junior Jorge Guzman (Cicero, IL/Morton East) returns for his final year. Middendorf said, "Jorge is an exciting goalkeeper that is very good with his feet in possession." His competition is sophomore Ariel Manjarrez (Berwyn, IL/Morton West) who joins the team this year. "He is tall, eager to train, and a quick learner," said Middendorf.

SCHEDULE
The Cougar men will play their season and home opener hosting Blackburn College on Sunday, August 31. The following week they host MacMurray College on Sunday, away at Illinois College Sept. 13, and then a third home match in the first four games versus Franklin College on Sunday, September 14.

After an away game at Maranatha the Cougars host their NACC opener on Saturday, September 20 with Edgewood coming to River Forest. They host Aurora University Sept. 23 and finish the week on Saturday, Sept. 27 hosting MSOE to complete the trifecta of conference home games.

In early October, the team plays a couple non-conference opponents in Beloit College and North Central College sandwiching conference opponent Marian University.

The final stretch of the season starts on Tuesday Oct. 21 hosting Dominican in the Division street rivalry. This game is followed by a game at rival Concordia-Wisconsin in Mequon on Saturday. On Monday, Oct. 27, they host nonconference opponent Lawrence University and then closing the season with Rockford University on Wednesday, Oct. 29.