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16. Lehigh - The return of junior forward Jim Taranto (8g, 4a), sophomore midfielder Jesse Schram, sophomore forward Kyle Evans (3g, 7a) and junior midfielder Adam Gaza (4g, 3a) means the Mountain Hawk offense should be even more productive than it was in 2006. On the defensive side of the ball Lehigh held opponents to a mere ten goals last year posting 13 shutouts in the process. The loss of center backs John O’Reilly and Joe Verdi and goalkeeper Jim Morahan means there are some big gaps to fill defensively but the Mountain Hawks are not about to fall off the map in 2007. Eight starters return from the 2006 team that secured a program high fifteen wins and a perfect 7-0-0 mark in Patriot League play. |
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17. Washington - The Huskies return nine players with starting experience from 2006. A tough non-conference schedule that includes matches away from home against New Mexico, SMU and Creighton plus the normal rigors of Pac-10 play may take a toll on Washington. On the other hand, it may provide the opportunity to make a real impact on the national scene. Seniors Kevin Forrest (16g, 1a), who was the 2006 Pac-10 Player of the Year and a College Soccer News All-America selection, and Ely Allen (7g, 6a), a Pac-10 Conference First Team selection, return to power a Washington offense that will cause problems for opponents. Juniors Jo Jo Katz (0g, 7a) and George John (4g, 5a) add balance to the attack in the midfield. Sophomore netminder Rylan Hawkins enjoyed the benefit of having veteran defenders Ty Hardin and Matt Fisher on the pitch last year but they have graduated leaving a significant gap in the backline which may be the biggest personnel challenge coach Dean Wurzberger faces heading into the 2007 campaign. |
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19. Saint Louis - Did the Billikens really turn the corner last year? If so, will the 2007 team be able to build on the momentum gained last year? Saint Louis lost enough talent from the 2006 team to keep them from being among the national title contenders heading into the 2007 season but they didn’t lose enough to keep them from being a dangerous side with a ton of potential. Forward Dado Hamzagic, midfielders Brian Grazier and Eric Sweetin, and defenders Calum Angus and Rob Viviano are all impact players. The Billikens have versatility and depth but offensive productivity is a bit of a concern heading into the 2007 season. Forward Brandon Barklage who transfers in from New Mexico may prove to be just what the doctor ordered in that regard. Sophomore Ross Kaufman who was the starter last year and senior Pat Disbennett return in goal. Saint Louis opens the 2007 season against SMU in Dallas. They then travel to Raleigh to face N.C. State and Duke. Three very tough matches but they also present the opportunity to make a big leap upward. |
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20. Northwestern - Seven starters are back from the 2006 team that was 14-8-0 overall and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tourney. Tim Lenahan will have plenty of talent to work with but questions exist relative to offensive productivity due to the graduation of Brad North (9g, 2a) and Gerardo Alvarez (4g, 3a) and consistency of play. In other words, which Northwestern team will take the pitch? The one that played well enough to make the magical run to the Elite Eight or the one that was 2-4-0 in Big Ten play. Senior midfielder David Roth (8g, 5a) is a prime timer and will no doubt be at the center of Northwestern’s offense in 2007. Sophomore Carl Pett (1g, 9a), a 2006 Second Team All-Big Ten selection, had a breakout season last year and should also contribute to the attack. Matt Witt, Drew Ratner, and Mark Blades return in the back to give Northwestern a very competitive backline. Will Briley returns in goal giving the Wildcats a very capable and poised presence between the pipes. The September non-conference schedule is competitive yet conducive to a good start. |
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21. Creighton - The Bluejays are a bit of a tough team to rank because they lost a lot of talent including forward Michael Kraus (6g, 3a) who was the MVC Play of the Year. However the cupboard is far from bare at Creighton and fifteen consecutive NCAA Tourney berths establishes a little credibility. Creighton ended the 2006 season on a major down note when they were thumped 3-0 by Washington in the first round of the NCAA Tourney and made their earliest exit from the big dance since 2001. Creighton will again feature a balanced attack in 2007 led by junior forward Byron Dacy (5g, 6a) who has been a key factor in the Bluejay attack for the past two seasons. Senior Tony Schmitz and sophomore Rodrigo Faria are among returning midfielders while sophomore Chris Schuler returns in the back. Senior goalkeeper Matt Allen recorded eight shutouts last year in route to being named the MVC Defensive Player of the Year. |
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18. Connecticut - Ray Reid’s team is well equipped to make a run for the national championship in 2007. The 2006 season was painful in that much more was expected from this team than a 10-7-2 overall record and a first round exit from the NCAA Tourney. Almost everyone is back so maybe all they needed was a year of playing together to fully gel as a team. All-American Julius James returns in the back along with veteran Karl Schilling. Junior forward O’Brian White is back to spearhead the attack. Senior forward Chukwudi Chijindu has the ability to elevate the Huskie attack to a higher level. The midfield is talented and deep with seniors Ryan Cordeiro and Dori Arad, junior Akeem Priestley, and 2006 Big East Rookie of the Year Toni Stahl. Sophomore Matt Sangeloty returns in goal after gaining valuable playing time last year. If this team gels, stays focused, and is able to convert a higher percentage of their scoring opportunities than in 2006 they will be a difficult side to face. |
