WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Monmouth University men's soccer team, which finished the 2009 season ranked #13 in the NSCAA/adidas National Rankings, has completed its spring schedule. The Hawks, coming off the program's fifth straight Northeast Conference Regular Season Title and third league tournament crown, wrapped up the spring with a 4-1 record. They topped Stony Brook, 1-0, Adelphi, 1-0, The College of New Jersey, 5-0 and the Alumni, while falling to Delaware, 2-1.
"Upon reflecting on the events of the spring, I have to say I was impressed by the team's efforts," said head coach Robert McCourt. "Bryan Meredith, Chase Barbieri, Drew Von Bargen and Christian Nogueira missed the entire spring due to injury, and all of them were full-time starters in the fall. Ryan Clark, George Caiella, RJ Allen, Matt Beverin, and Alejandro Cordido also missed some playing time due to injury."
"With all these players out it was a great opportunity for others that did not play as much in the fall to step in and gain valuable playing time," added McCourt. "We played some tough competition and all of the players stepped in and performed well. If you are going to have injuries, you prefer they happen in spring. I was impressed with the way the team just got on with the job and performed well on the field."
To get a further in-depth look into the spring, GoMUHawks.com recently sat down with Coach McCourt to talk about the spring season.
GOMUHAWKS.COM: How did the squad look in the spring?
Robert McCourt: Overall I think the team responded well in the spring. We had a lot of injuries which meant a lot of reserve players from the fall played in the spring. That is what spring is all about. We played good competition and the team responded well. It was nice to see some of our reserve players step up and have positive performances.
GOMUHAWKS.COM: What are your expectations for the 2010 season after last year's historic run?
RM: Every season is different. The players know we had a very good run last season, but we are also still disappointed that we didn't go further in the NCAA's. Of course we look to move the program forward in 2010. In terms of rankings - fifth in the nation was a lofty achievement. The talent is there to have another strong season, but having talent and realizing your team potential can be two different things. We have to put 2009 behind us and are now going to focus on our daily training environment. In 2010, we will focus on one game at a time and in the end we will see where that leaves us.
GOMUHAWKS.COM: How have some of the new players in the program looked so far in the spring?
RM: Kevin Davis and Matt Beverin came in this past spring and both have made positive impressions. Matt had a minor injury setback, but when he played he looked sharp. Kevin played every minute of every game and also looked sharp. Arriving in the spring has enabled them to settle in so there should be no acclimation issues this fall.
GOMUHAWKS.COM: What is your philosophy for nonconference scheduling as the program continues to rise nationally?
RM: Scheduling is tricky. We try to play as tough of a nonconference schedule as possible, but with that you also need to take things such as budget, travel and availability into account. We probably could have added 2-3 ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) teams to our schedule this fall, but traveling 5-10 hours to play an ACC team on a weeknight isn't exactly setting you up for success. It is close to impossible to get them to return that game as a home and away series. RPI (Rating Percentage Index) these days rewards you for beating teams that win games. We have to take all of this into account and come up with a schedule that hopefully translates into a successful season.
Note: The ACC was the highest rated conference in the RPI last season.
GOMUHAWKS.COM: What are you looking for from Ryan Kinne, last season's NEC Player of the Year and a First Team All-American?
RM: I just want Ryan to be himself. He is a team player and would give up any of his personal accolades if it meant the team would have more success. Of course I expect he will have another outstanding season and he has aspirations to play after college, but he knows team success helps bring individual opportunities. Hopefully Ryan leads us to our sixth straight NEC title and a strong run in the NCAA's.
GOMUHAWKS.COM: What players impressed you the most in the spring?
RM: The core of our team, Max Hamilton, Anthony Vazquez, Ryan Kinne, RJ Allen, Cesar Blacido, George Caiella, and Bryan Davis all had positive spring seasons. I will be counting on their experience and leadership to help push the program forward in 2010.
GOMUHAWKS.COM: The defense has always been a strength of your club? How will the Hawks cope with the loss of Second Team All-American and NEC Defensive Player of the Year Dan Bostock on the back line?
RM: It will be very difficult to replace Boz. He was one of the most talented players in college soccer last year and he also was a tremendous leader of men. He is one of the finest leaders I have come across. Having said that, how do you replace Hugh MacDonald, Angelo Amato and others that have played that position so well? Teams form their own identity and create their own history. Our leadership next year will be tremendous. With the new captains group and new players, Monmouth Soccer in 2010 will have to create their own piece of MU soccer history. We are all very excited to get back for preseason to begin our work on our quest for an unprecedented sixth consecutive NEC title.
