The College of Wooster head men's soccer coach Andy Zidron employed a heavy pressure, "defend on the front foot" system last year. Expect much of the same.
The difference, however, is a year's worth. Seventeen returnees, all of whom gained varsity-level experience under the three-year head coach, will be expected to make up for the loss of five graduated seniors who accounted for half of the Fighting Scots' goal scoring production last year.
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| Sophomore Ben Freije came on late in 2016 as a regular contributor in the midfield. Of note, Freije will be accompanied in the midfield by his younger brother, Wilson Freije, a first-year. |
In addition to two draws, nine of Wooster's 18 games were decided by a one-goal differential. At 4-12-2, a finish here or clearance there could have easily flipped the switch.
Thus is soccer.
For Zidron, the process of not only creating a competitive mindset but doing so with a wholesome, family-oriented group of men is beginning to come full circle.
"With this returning group, they believe in what we are doing," Zidron said. "They bought in and I think they will start to turn the screws in those games. It's a super competitive group and, more importantly, it's a great group of guys. They understand what we are trying to do as a family and they are willing to fight for each other and work for each other."
When asked to label his team's identity, Zidron noted his team's "pressing and intensity."
"I don't think teams like to play against us in terms of how we defend. We make it challenging and our guys have bought into that and I think that's one of our strengths."
Up top, the Scots will look to find success in the attacking third after netting 16 total goals on 11 assists last year.
Sophomore Max Rochester turned some heads last year as a dangerous player with a bulldog-like approach. Expect him to be a considerable threat on the attacking end of things, according to the staff. In addition to classmate Manny Burton, who should see time as a center forward or winger, the Scots welcome back their top goal scorer from a year ago in junior Austin Russell, who netted four goals and two assists en route to a team-leading 10 points.
Alongside those three, sophomore Paulo Nunes, a local product out of nearby Orrville, Ohio, showed his shooting ability last year in limited doses, and should get more playing time in the attacking third in addition to returnee Andrew Klein, who according to staff was "almost unplayable" during Spring ball, displaying great athleticism and a vital addition to the attacking contingent.
In the midfield, sophomore Benjamin Freije, who will be joined by his younger brother Wilson Freije – a fellow midfielder – started to see more time by the end of last year and returns as a high-energy, dependable distributor. Senior Mouhamet Ndiaye, remembered for his wonderstrike against Earlham last year, joins Alex Montalbano, a "box-to-box" player, per the staff, who showcased his ability to get into the attack, and at 6 feet, 2 inches, will be depended upon for his timing and ball-winning instincts.
Sitting behind Montalbano last year was sophomore Connor Hawkins, the brother of incoming first-year women's soccer player Kylie Hawkins. Connor's ability to read the game from the holding position will be critical for transition and protecting the back four, according to the staff.
In the back, the Scots will be relatively young, considering the graduation of defenders Matt Kelly and Marco Sapien along with midfielder Zachary Mastrich.
"Defensively, we know what we need to do but we have to be very intentional about how we organize ourselves," Zidron said.
Senior Bob Beall comes in as one of the two designated captains along with Russell and will be counted upon for his leadership and communication after making 10 appearances among the backline rotation last year. Additionally, junior Ousmane Sy, who saw regular minutes as a defensive reserve with a fiery approach will bring pace and upperclassman experience along the back.
Between the pipes, two returnees – sophomore Will Collis and senior Scot Stacho – will compete for playing time after primarily splitting time last year.
"I expect Will and Scot to compete for it. Will got a lot of positive experience as a first-year and Scot comes in as senior with a great attitude and three seasons under his belt," Zidron said.
As for newcomers, Zidron noted a number of players who will be able to make an impact all over the field, stating that it is "a very competitive group of young men who will see game time and improve the core and culture of the program."
With a handful of close decisions last season, the Scots coaching staff expects this year's group to close the gap competitively and build upon a productive offseason.
"I think our guys started to see some of their success in the spring from a cultural standpoint in what we are trying to do, and in looking at the season as a whole, there's no reason we can't compete in every game and put ourselves in a good situation. It's going to be an absolute blast to work with this group and we're chomping at the bit to compete!" Zidron said.
Wooster opens the season at Carl Dale Memorial Field on Friday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. against Marietta College.