University of Pittsburgh Athletics
2005 Men's Soccer Preview
7/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
2005 Men's Soccer Preview
7/15/2005
Two years ago, Pittsburgh men's soccer coach Joe Luxbacher brought in the largest recruiting class of his 21-year tenure as head coach. Those recruits now have two years of playing experience, and the 2005 Panthers look to that experience as a key to success.
"I think we are a balanced team overall," said Luxbacher. "We are a young team with veterans at key positions. Our freshman class from two years ago has gotten a lot of game experience now. We have a solid nucleus coming back. I'm very optimistic, and I like the team."
The Panthers finished last season with a 6-8-3 record. They played well at home, going 5-2-1 at Founders Field, but had difficulty on the road. Close games defined the 2004 season, as the Panthers played in nine one goal games, and posted three ties. The Panthers tied a school record by playing in six overtime games, finishing 1-2-3 in those contests. Luxbacher knows that the team is very close to getting over the hump.
"Our focus will be on the defensive side," he said. "We want to be tighter defensively. We have lost a lot of close games the last two years."
When asked about the team goals for the 2005 season Luxbacher said, "We want to make the Big East Tournament. It's an extremely difficult tournament to make it into, but we feel it is an attainable goal. We want to make it there, then make a run in the tournament."
The Panthers will welcome a total of seven newcomers to the 2005 squad. The recruiting class includes: Matt Firster from Harborcreek, Pa., Ryan Frick from Fall Church, Va., Justin Grubisha from Munhall, Pa., and E.J. McCormick from Pittsburgh, Pa. Three walk-ons also join the 2005 squad in Adam Walkowiak (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Eric Jaeger (Bergenfield, N.J.), and Greg Wicox (Sewickley, Pa.). The following is a position-by-position look at the 2005 Panthers:
FORWARDS
Returning to anchor the Panthers' attack in 2005 is All-Big East Second Team and NSCAA All-Region Second Team selection Keeyan Young. A 2005 preseason All-Big East selection, Young is tied for 10th on Pitt's all-time scoring list with 18 goals. He has 10 assists and 46 points for his career and has started all 51 of his career games. Last year, Young tied for the team lead in goals (seven), and led the squad in both assists (four), and points (18). In the last two seasons, Young has either led, or tied for the team lead in goals, assists and points. If Young maintains this pace, he could finish his career ranked among Pitt's top-five in career goals, assists, and points.
"Keeyan is a talented athlete who reads the game well," says Luxbacher. "He has matured as a player in the last two years. We are looking for consistent production and a big year out of him."
Another key returnee for the Panthers is senior Dwayne Grant-Higgins. One of the Panthers' most tenacious players, Higgins ranked second on the team in goals (three) and third on the squad in points (eight) last year. Higgins, who has recovered from an injury suffered at the tail end of the 2004 season, transferred to Pitt from West Virginia prior to last season.
Also returning to the Panthers at the forward position are junior Johnathan Clow, and sophomore Chris Bastidas. Bastidas, who transfered to Pitt after redshirting his freshman year at Wake Forest, played in 15 of the Panthers' 17 games in 2004. Clow saw action in seven games in 2004, becoming a solid presence off the bench. Joining the Panthers in 2005 is freshman E.J. McCormick, a NSCAA high school All-American selection.
"E.J. is a talented player who has scored at every level he has played," Luxbacher said. "We expect that he will definitely compete for playing time."
MIDFIELDERS
The Panthers are extremely deep at the midfield position. A large group of players, none of which are seniors, will compete for the Panther midfield spots. Returnees include juniors Tyler Bastianelli, Thomas DeCato, and Brendon Smith. Bastianelli has 30 career starts with nine career points. He appeared in all 17 games last season, and can also play up front as a striker. DeCato is primarily a left-sided midfielder who has "excellent game sense" according to Luxbacher. DeCato has 15 career starts and 24 career games played to go along with six career points. DeCato is also a 4.0 student who will attend medical school following graduation. Smith is expected to anchor the Panthers at the defensive midfield position, and will serve as team captain in 2005. Smith has started all 34 games he has played in his career and has six career points.
Also returning are juniors Mike Cunha, who started 15 of the Panthers' 17 games in 2004, Shawn Wildman and Jeffery Tidd. Cunha and Wildman are versatile players who can play in the midfield and also in the back. Tidd is expected to compete for playing time as a defensive midfielder. Wildman is recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2004 season. Sophomores Matt Langton and Steve Cavalier played in starting roles for much of the 2004 season, and are expected to be important contributors in 2005. Redshirt freshman Sean Ryan, along with newcomers Eric Jaeger and Adam Walkowiak will also compete for playing time.
BACKFIELD
The Panthers must replace four-year letterwinner and 2004 team captain Jacob Kring in the backfield, but they return several talented players to fill the void. Sophomore Patt Kerr returns to provide experience and tenacity, having missed only one start in his career (16 of 17 games). Sophomore George Tagaris missed most of the 2004 season with a hamstring injury, but looks to compete for a position in the center of the defense. Newcomers Greg Wilcox, Ryan Frick, Justin Grubisha, and Matt Firster, along with Cunha and Wildman will all compete for starting spots in the back.
"Matt and Justin are both big, central defenders who will push for playing time right away," says Luxbacher.
GOALKEEPER
Senior Justin Lowery is a two-year starter who returns to Pitt after a productive 2004 season. Lowery accumulated a 1.32 goals against average and a .783 save percentage in 13 starts to go along with his 65 saves and three shutouts. His career goals against average of 1.57 is the 10th lowest in Pitt history.
Lowery will be pushed by junior Andy Jorgensen who started four games in 2004, accumulating a 2.71 goals against average and a .686 save percentage. Redshirt freshman Jordan Marks will also push for playing time.
"We have three very capable goalkeepers," says Luxbacher. "We need and expect consistency out of the goalkeeping position, and I anticipate that one of the three will emerge as the man who can lead us into the Big East Tournament and beyond."
THE SCHEDULE
Once again, Pitt plays a difficult schedule in 2005, opening with five of its first six games on the road. The Panthers' first two contests are versus Drexel and LaSalle in the Drexel Tournament in Philadelphia, Pa. Pitt's first home game is on September 11 against Mount St. Mary's.
The Panthers play a key four-game homestand from September 23rd to October 5th that consists of four Big East opponents: DePaul, South Florida, Seton Hall, and West Virginia. The Panthers play a total of 11 Big East games, highlighted by a trip to Connecticut to take on the defending Big East Champions.
"The Big East has taken in five new schools that all have strong soccer programs," says Luxbacher. "The Big East is one of the top soccer conferences in the country. There were six teams in the top-25 in 2004. We want a tough schedule and we want the challenge that comes with it."
