Temple University Athletics
MEN'S SOCCER OPENS SATURDAY AT PHILADELPHIA U.
8.26.06 | Men's Soccer
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple men's soccer team opens the 2006 season on Saturday, August 26 at Philadelphia Soccer 7 rival Philadelphia University. The match kicks off at noon. Follow all of the action live on the internet on Gametracker.
The success of 2006 Temple University men's soccer team is tough to predict, even for its head coach. David MacWilliams, who enters his seventh season at the helm of the Owls, returns just nine letterwinners. Thankfully eight saw significant time in the starting lineup. However, 17 newcomers arrive at camp with the hopes of not only earning a spot on the roster, but in the starting lineup.
"This definitely is a rebuilding year," states MacWilliams, who has guided the Cherry and White to the A-10 Finals twice in the last three seasons. "We lost our top offensive and defensive player, and have many quality newcomers vying for roles. How quickly the younger players adjust to our system will determine how successful we are."
The Owls will be without four-year starters Joe Brocker, Tony Donatelli and Timmy Greer, all key factors in the program's turnaround. Donatelli, selected in the MLS supplemental draft, led the Philadelphia Soccer 7 in scoring the last two season while Brocker and Greer spearheaded one of the league's top defenses.
MacWilliams will count on a trio of seniors -- Ryan Heins, Matt Maher and Chris Shelton -- to provide leadership to the incoming players. Heins, a 6-2 midfielder, is the leading returning scorer with three goals. A 6-0 defender, Maher dished two assists last season while the 6-2 Shelton is a three-year starting defensive back.
"I am extremely confident in the leadership ability of our seniors," MacWilliams said.
Offense was a problem area for Temple last year. The Owls scored just six goals over their 18 matches, which was the main factor in the team failing to qualify for the six-team conference tournament. The Owls tied for sixth in the conference standings, but lost out on a spot due to a tie-breaker.
Besides Heins, TU returns just one player, sophomore forward Ben Marucci (two goals), who scored more than once in 2005. Sophomores Mike Minai and James Suevo all tallied one goal as did senior David Suah.
"We need to do a better job finishing this season," explains the Temple mentor. "We have skilled offensive players. We just need them to step forward."
Defensive will continue to be one of the strengths of the Owls. Besides two starters returning in Maher and Shelton, MacWilliams has two experienced goalkeepers in junior Tony Pratico (0.98 GAA, 38 saves, 3 shutouts) and sophomore Bryant Hosler (2.89 GAA, 29 saves).
Minai and Suevo join Heins as returning starters in the midfield.
