August 22, 2007
Men's Soccer Preview
Monarchs to kick off season Sept. 1

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  The Methodist men's soccer team returns 16 players from a roster that finished the 2006 season 14-5-1. During the season the team carried a 10-game winning streak and were ranked as high as sixth in the South region while advancing to the USA South semifinals. A host of newcomers will join the Monarchs on their quest for a 2007 USA South Conference Championship.

With last year's starting goalkeeper, Jeremy Belnap completing his eligibility the spot opens for three competing keepers. Senior Sean Brennan is the lone returner and has the experience to battle for the starting job. Freshmen Brock Ferguson and Matt Griffith will challenge Brennan in goal. Ferguson is a highly rated keeper from the Florida club system. He is agile and athletic with good distribution. Griffith, from Wilmington, N.C. brings size and strength to the table.

The defense returns senior All-Conference players Desmond Keane and captain C.J. Komons. They lead the back four and are joined by juniors Sean Gregory and Brock Aaron. Sophomores Tom Blum and Shea Johnson will compete to start as a wide back. Also joining the Monarchs' defense are freshmen Alex Johnston, Stephen Fox, Mike Poole, Darren Wilson and Chris Fisher.

Head coach Justin Terranova sees the midfield as the strongest cog in the wheel for the Monarchs this season. Senior All-Conference midfielder Dustin Breckenridge will return to provide his grit and determination to the crafty midfield. Junior Brandon Cunningham returns as a speedy left midfielder while Jamie Gunderson, Brett Brennan and Max Adler return with added experience. Standout freshmen expected to provide the link in the midfield are Murray Williamson from Middlesex, England and Kyle Diem from Gap, Penn. Also joining the Monarchs in midfield are Freddy Garcia and Mauricio Londono.

The Methodist attack includes returning All-Conference players senior Andy White and junior Evan Monteiro. Both have a knack for scoring goals. Junior Mike DeMara has been hampered with injuries during his career but is back healthy and looks to contribute as a goal scorer while sophomore Brian Lopez returns from offseason knee surgery. Also joining the Monarchs on the attack are freshmen: Stan Pajak, Arturo Santamaria and Pedro Massinga.

Junior Anthony Liuzza, sophomore Max Zaldivar and freshmen Josh Norris are in camp with the team on trial until Sept. 1. The team travels to the N.C. Wesleyan Fall Classic to open the season against Mt. St. Vincent and Randolph the weekend of Sept. 1-2.