August 27, 2008
2008 Men's Soccer Preview
Monarchs count on senior leadership to achieve goals

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Methodist men's soccer capped off a successful 2007 season with an upset of Christopher Newport in the USA South Tournament Semifinals to reach the championship game for the second time in four years. However, the Monarchs came up just short to Greensboro, but 14 letter winners from last year's team returned to Methodist anxious to achieve greater success.

Last year, Methodist opened the season with a five-game winning streak and head coach Justin Terranova hopes to make another strong start this year. The team kicks off on Saturday at Emory's Sonny Carter Invitational. The men will face Oglethorpe first before taking on the 13th ranked host, Emory Eagles. Hoping to build on last season's accomplishments will be junior midfielder, Bret Brennan who led the team last season with 13 goals and four assists on the way to earning Second Team All-Conference honors. Joining Brennan will be five other returning starters along with 21 newcomers.

"We return six seniors that will provide the leadership we need to help us achieve our goals," Terranova said. The Monarchs will have some new faces in the back after All-Conference defenders Dustin Breckenridge and C.J. Komons along with All-Conference goalkeeper Sean Brennan all completed their eligibility last season. Brennan has joined the coaching staff along with Terranova and former Methodist forward Bryan Madej.

"We have a strong freshmen class and experienced underclassmen," Terranova added. "We look forward to a very challenging schedule."

Picked fourth in the USA South preseason poll, the Monarchs will look to build on last season's success as they strive to reach their goals this year.