Temple University Athletics
Temple University
Lafayette
Men's Soccer Kicks Off 2011 Slate Saturday At Home Against Lafayette
9.2.11 | Men's Soccer
PHILADELPHIA— A year removed from an Atlantic 10 Tournament appearance, the Temple men's soccer team has officially wrapped up its offseason preparations and is set to kick of the 2011 season. The Owls open a new campaign against the Lafayette Leopards on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:00 p.m. on their home field at the Ambler Sports Complex.
Head coach David MacWilliams, now in his 12th season at the helm of the Temple men's soccer program, brings in a squad that has high expectations placed on itself for the 2011 season. After reaching the conference postseason two times in the last three years, the upperclassmen are looking to build on their previous experience. Returning a strong defense headed by senior Rodrigo Zuleta and talented forwards in seniors Tyler Witmer, Evan Bransdorfer and junior Cody Calafiore, the Owls have big expectations to live up to.
A month ago, the A-10 coaches released their projections for the conference's order of finish by each participant. In the poll, Temple was voted to finish fourth in the league, which would yield it to its third A-10 appearance in four years.
In the same release, the coaches also announced the preseason all-conference team, which included Calafiore.
Calafiore has racked up recognition since picking up first-team all-conference when last year's postseason awards were announced. Recently, Calafiore was named to the Herman Trophy Watch List—the highest individual award in intercollegiate soccer.
The Owls received a substantial amount of first-year player Vaughn Spurrier last season. At the conclusion of the season, Spurrier was garnered with All-Rookie Team honors by the A-10.
With the combination of proven upperclassmen and the talent of its incoming recruiting class, the Owls look to make a strong push toward a conference title.
Temple is welcoming six new faces to the program. The position of most concern coming into the season is in goal now that 2011 graduate Brian Mollon, who is ranked second all-time in wins by a goalkeeper at Temple, has departed. Freshman Dan Scheck and sophomore transfer Bobby Rosato have battled for the starting role and are will be relied on to be the anchor to a defense that put up seven shutouts a year ago.
With Max Kinderwater and Jared Harris also gone, freshmen Zach Arch, Willie Chalfant, Mitchell Skrabacz and sophomore Tom Stackhouse will also have voids to step in to.
The Owls will get their first look at their 2011 preparations when the Leopards roll into Ambler, Pa. on Saturday. Lafayette comes into the match with a victory already under its belt after defeating Rider in its season-opener on Wednesday.
Temple holds a commanding lead on the Leopards in the all-time series, owning a 29-9-3 record.
