2008 Season Review
In the 2008 season, the men's soccer program (11-5-2, 7-3-1 NAC) won the Moody Bible tournament and finished in a tie for third place in the conference. The Raiders hosted a conference first round game against Edgewood, but fell short, losing to the Eagles by a score of 2-to-1.
Individually for the Raiders, they had great performances by senior John Varebrook (Elm Grove, Wis./ Marquette HS) and freshman forward Josh Payne (Glenn Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard South), who tied for the lead the team in goals (6) and Points (13). Varebrook also led the team in game winning goals with five on the season. The Raiders graduate five including goaltender Andy Blau (Pewaukee, Wis./Pewaukee HS), but return 18 to next year's squad.
2008 Season Preview
Head coach Jimmy Banks and the MSOE men's soccer team has high goals for the 2008 campaign. Last year, the Raiders finished 8-8-1 overall and 4-6 in NAC but this year they are looking to be at the top.
"We want to be a conference champion contender, nothing less," Banks said. "Each game needs to be played with a winning attitude offensively and defensively until the final whistle blows."
Coach Banks expects leadership to be a key for his team to have success during the 2008 season. "Our senior class with Jordan Engedal, John Varebrook, Tony Mente and goalkeeper Andy Blau will be the difference on and off the field by their leadership," Banks said. "We have many talented players on the roster and quality leadership is very important in a team's performance."
MSOE has a total of six seniors on their roster this year along with six juniors and four sophomores. Senior forward Varebrook had 16 points, while sophomore Jim Burns added 9 points last season and return as top scorers for the Raiders. In 2007, Mente had six points while sophomore Dan Kolokoski recorded five points. Blau and junior Alex Mejac are back for MSOE to man the net again this year.
"We have a very good freshmen class coming in," Banks said. "This will give us a little cushion for injuries and depth on the bench which is needed to have a successful season."
Last year's team had some trouble staying healthy and Coach Banks hopes that will not be the case in 2008.
"We have a talented group this year," Banks said. "The key is how well fit we are and healthy we can stay. We had several injuries last year. Lack of proper fitness could be the determining factor."
Also, Coach Banks sees the team's strengths as hard working group and the ability to create scoring chances. However, he knows there are things his team needs to improve in order to reach their main goal.
"We plan to be more physically and mentally stronger on the defensive side this year," Banks said. "Eliminating mental lapses, displaying quality defense for 90 minutes and capitalizing on our scoring chances are areas we plan to improve. If we improve in theses areas we will achieve our goal as a NAC Championship contender."
The 2008 regular season starts with a NAC game against Dominican University on September 3 at Uihlein Soccer Park.
