North Carolina State University Athletics
Men's Soccer Opens Fall Practice
8/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Raleigh, N.C. It was a hot morning at SAS Soccer Park, as the NC State men’s soccer team hit the field this morning for their first practice of the 2007 season. The Pack has a little less than two weeks before its exhibition contest against No. 1 UCLA on August 25. There are a few storylines to follow during the Pack’s preseason:
Battle in the Goal: Last season NC State never settled on one goalkeeper, as both Tom DeStefano and Christopher Widman each received starts during the season. Both keepers are back this year after having strong showings in the spring, but the Pack will also welcome in two freshmen and each will be given the chance to win the starting spot as well. Brandyn Bumpas has experience with the U-20 U.S. National Team, and local product Will Mackvick helped Broughton High School to the state championship while earning MVP honors.
Replacing the Defense: The NC State defense will have to replace three starters from last year’s squad. The Pack will rely on a steady senior, a pair of sophomores who saw playing time last season, and as many as three newcomers to step in right away and play. Senior captain Hugh Cronin has started 35 games over the last two seasons as a central defender. Sophomores Orry Powers and Daniel Fish each saw significant playing time last year. Newcomers Stanley Mathurin, Tyler Lassiter, Philip Foy and Lucas Carpenter will all be competing for playing time as well in their first season with the Pack.
Last Years Rookies Looking to Repeat Success: The NC State offense was helped last year by the freshmen duo of Jorge Mora and Alan Sanchez. Sanchez led the Pack with eight goals and 17 points, while Mora had a team-high seven assists. Both players will be looking to continue their rookie success this season, as Mora is working as an outside midfielder and Sanchez will either be one of the forwards or an attacking center midfielder.
Setting the Central Midfield: One other major contributor that was lost to graduation was Santiago Fusilier. Fusilier was the Pack’s central defensive midfielder for each of the last four seasons, and the NC State coaching staff must replace his hustle and hard work in the midfield. Fellow Argentina product Ernesto Di Laudo looks to be the perfect replacement. The fast, hardworking senior has started 33 of 34 games over the last two seasons as an outside midfielder. Di Laudo will look to combine with either fellow senior El Hadj Cisse or Sanchez in the center of the field.
Newcomers in the Fold: NC State will welcome 13 newcomers on this year’s squad, with at least four vying for a spot in the opening games starting lineup. In addition to the wide open battle in goal and among the defenders, NC State also has potential spots open at one of the forward spots and in the midfield.
Battle in the Goal: Last season NC State never settled on one goalkeeper, as both Tom DeStefano and Christopher Widman each received starts during the season. Both keepers are back this year after having strong showings in the spring, but the Pack will also welcome in two freshmen and each will be given the chance to win the starting spot as well. Brandyn Bumpas has experience with the U-20 U.S. National Team, and local product Will Mackvick helped Broughton High School to the state championship while earning MVP honors.
Replacing the Defense: The NC State defense will have to replace three starters from last year’s squad. The Pack will rely on a steady senior, a pair of sophomores who saw playing time last season, and as many as three newcomers to step in right away and play. Senior captain Hugh Cronin has started 35 games over the last two seasons as a central defender. Sophomores Orry Powers and Daniel Fish each saw significant playing time last year. Newcomers Stanley Mathurin, Tyler Lassiter, Philip Foy and Lucas Carpenter will all be competing for playing time as well in their first season with the Pack.
Last Years Rookies Looking to Repeat Success: The NC State offense was helped last year by the freshmen duo of Jorge Mora and Alan Sanchez. Sanchez led the Pack with eight goals and 17 points, while Mora had a team-high seven assists. Both players will be looking to continue their rookie success this season, as Mora is working as an outside midfielder and Sanchez will either be one of the forwards or an attacking center midfielder.
Setting the Central Midfield: One other major contributor that was lost to graduation was Santiago Fusilier. Fusilier was the Pack’s central defensive midfielder for each of the last four seasons, and the NC State coaching staff must replace his hustle and hard work in the midfield. Fellow Argentina product Ernesto Di Laudo looks to be the perfect replacement. The fast, hardworking senior has started 33 of 34 games over the last two seasons as an outside midfielder. Di Laudo will look to combine with either fellow senior El Hadj Cisse or Sanchez in the center of the field.
Newcomers in the Fold: NC State will welcome 13 newcomers on this year’s squad, with at least four vying for a spot in the opening games starting lineup. In addition to the wide open battle in goal and among the defenders, NC State also has potential spots open at one of the forward spots and in the midfield.
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