September 1, 2006
Methodist Men's Soccer Preview
Coach Terranova has places big expectations on his team

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  Methodist head men's soccer coach, Justin Terranova broke his team into positions when taking a look at this season's team.  He has a full roster with players coming in to compete at every position.  The returning players had the opportunity to train in Brazil in August, but Terranova is anxious to have his entire team competing for the 2006 conference championship.

The goalkeeper position is full of depth beginning with returning All-Conference performer, senior Jeremy Belnap.  Junior Sean Brennan and three freshmen Dan Ohmott, Edgar Gutierrez and Mike Fiore will push Belnap to gain playing time.

After giving up 34 goals last year, the defense is looking to improve.  Returning defenders Desmond Keane, Jimmy Izaguirre, CJ Komons, Brock Aaron and Tyler Bucheister all look to stifle the opponent's offense.  There are a number of freshman defenders ready to fill in the gaps including Eliot Sanford, Alex Scaffa, Phil Clause, Thomas Blum and Shea Johnson.

The midfield has the potential to be the difference maker for the Monarchs.  Filled with experience, but no seniors allows Terranova to not only have strength in the middle for this season but also look to gain power for the future.  Junior Dustin Breckenridge will lead sophomores Max Adler, Jamie Gunderson, Sean Gregory and Mike DeMara to keep the flow in transition.  Freshmen Bret Brennan and Piero Taliente have the opportunity to keep the middle competitive in an opportunity for starting roles.

The front line is deep and experienced with plenty of freshmen ready for their chance.  Senior Chris MacDonald has moved up top to give the forwards more strenth and size.  A number of other players are expecting playing time including last season's leading scorer Andy White as well as sophomores Brandon Cunningham, Evan Monteiro, Matt Hughes and Steve Brumbaugh.  Freshmen Ime Umoh, David Giunti and Hunter Miller will begin their first season with the Monarchs but have a wealth of potential.

"The squad has been bolstered by the quality of this year's freshmen class who have been great both on the field and off the field," Terranova said.  The team elected a captain from each class to lead them.  Senior Chris MacDonalds, junior CJ Komons, sophomore Evan Monteiro and freshman Bret Brennan were all chosen to "represent leadership at every level of our team and will help us develop a consistent 'team first' attitude," he added. 

After being selected fourth in the USA South preseason poll, Terranova is counting on the results to inspire his team.  "If we can build a first class soccer program, we will garner another trip to the USA South Conference tournament and allow ourselves a chance to gain a birth into the NCAA Tournament," said Terranova.

The Monarchs kick off their season at the Christopher Newport Classic against York College on Saturday at 4 pm.