WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- With success comes expectations. That tends to be a common theme surrounding the 2008 squad for the Palm Beach Atlantic University men’s soccer team. After a very successful 2007 campaign, the Sailfish return most of their 14-4-2 team from a year ago and would appear to have even more lofty goals this year.
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Championship Runner Up. NCCAA South Region Champs. Six more wins that the previous season. Victories over the likes of Florida Tech, Rollins College, Florida Southern College, Barry University, Nova Southeastern University, and others. These are among some of the accomplishments of the 2007 PBA men’s soccer team.
Not nearly satisfied, head coach Jose Gomez and the PBA men’s soccer team return a solid core from a year ago with a handful of newcomers poised to make an impact this season and beyond. Below is a breakdown position-by-position of the Sailfish of 2008.
Forwards
With only one major loss from a season ago in departed senior forward Matt Sweesy, the Sailfish appear ready to not only increase their scoring but provide even more weapons for opponents to focus on.
Senior Daniel Abrahamsohn, who has scored 19 goals while adding in six assists over the past two seasons, returns to help anchor what should be a talented and deep group of forwards. His offensive prowess helped land him a spot on the NCCAA All-American 2nd Team after 2007.
Adding to the mix is sophomore Kyle Crouse who proved during his freshman season a year ago to not only be quick down the field but a scoring threat as well as he posted five goals and three assists as a true freshman.
Transfer Nick Rasek, a native of Surrey, England, should also make his presence felt as he adds another potential scorer to the mix.
“We have a lot of big play ability with this group not to mention a lot of experience,” said Gomez.
“Daniel (Abrahamsohn) has been a major contributor over the past few seasons while Kyle (Crouse) really came on strong last season. Rasek should make us even stronger as we look to have an even more potent offensive attack this season,” continued Gomez who enters his third season as the head coach of the Fish.
Mid-Fielders
A balanced and technically strong group, PBA’s collection of returning mid-fielders should provide Gomez with not only depth but players who possess and distribute the ball well.
NCCAA All-American and PBA junior Cheyne Roberts is the most decorated of the group as he has proven over the past two seasons to be valuable in nearly every role he’s been placed in. The only player in the history of the NCCAA to be named the Most Valuable Offensive Player in one season (2006), followed up by the Most Valuable Defensive Player in another season (2007), Roberts is certainly not your typical player.
Leading the Fish with 22 goals over the past two seasons with 14 assists, Roberts provides Gomez with a special option.
“We will once again look to Cheyne as a play-maker,” said Gomez.
“Opponents must key on him which we believe will open up our other options. His ability to shut down the other teams offensive standouts is what only increases his value to our team,” said the Sailfish leader.
Seniors Daniel Dodge, Chance Sumner, and Caleb Roberts return to the lineup once again as veterans and leaders on the field. Joining them as experienced field players will be juniors Mark Cabrera, Josh Sharpe, and Johnathon Clark. This group not only has experience but the ability to work well as a unit after playing the past few years together.
Others looking to make an impact in 2008 are juniors Juan Villagrana, Roberto Salas, and senior Anthony Mack. After sitting out last season after transferring from Saint Leo University, Villagrana will make his Sailfish debut this fall. Salas and Mack both provide the Fish with upper-classman leaders who will push the starters for playing time each game.
The only newcomer in the mid-field comes from freshman Jonathon Dupree. A Plant City, Florida native, Dupree will look to work his way into the lineup as a true freshman.
“Not only deep but talented, I’ve been very pleased with the work our mid-field has done during the pre-season,” said Gomez.
“Dodge, Chance, and Caleb have all proven themselves over the years to be tough with a sound knowledge of the game. We really look to them to lead our team this year,” continued Gomez.
Defenders
With every player returning from a year ago, the Sailfish backfield play looks to remain consistent and strong.
Seniors Trent Hammon and Jerris Gay will be counted on once again to play a lot of minutes and shut down the opponent. Both players are technically sound with a tremendous level of game awareness when on the field.
Junior Enrico Zanella along with sophomore Andrew Kanarr return as players who made big strides in 2007 and will be looked upon to do the same in 2008. As a true freshman, Kanarr forced his way into the starting lineup and became a fixture on the outside for the Sailfish last season.
“Our defensive style of play fits our personnel very well and we really expect them to continue the progress they made as a unit from last season,” said Gomez.
The only addition the Fish made on the defensive side of the ball is the addition of transfer Shane Redfield. A junior from nearby Palm Beach Community College, the 6’2” Redfield gives the Fish another strong body on defense.
Goalkeepers
Junior Joe Yurchak returns for his third season in goal for PBA in 2008. As has been the case with his previous two seasons in a Sailfish uniform, Yurchak will look to build and hone his skills to become an even more efficient and effective keeper.
After allowing 47 goals during his freshman campaign between the pipes, Yurchak, with the help of the Sailfish defense, cut his goals allowed to 18 in 2007 for a goals against average of 0.93. As a whole, Yurchak posted seven shutouts in 2007, up from just two in 2006. This type of improvement catapulted Yurchak all the way to NCCAA All-American status in 2007.
“Joe made huge strides last year and has been working hard to continue to get better,” said Gomez.
“His athletic ability and instincts continue to get stronger and we know we can count on him in clutch situations,” continued Gomez.
Backing up Yurchak this season will be freshman Jonathan Strunk who comes to PBA from Evanston, Illinois as a product of Evanston Township High School.
The Sailfish open up their 2008 slate this weekend when they travel to Colorado for two matches. On Saturday, August 30th, the Sailfish will take on Colorado State University at Pueblo followed up by a Labor Day showdown with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Stay tuned to PBASailfish.com all season long for scores, recaps, and special features of the 2008 PBA men’s soccer team!
