Disappointing 2006 season leaves Zips hungry
For the first time in six years, the men's soccer team missed last season's NCAA tournament
Josh Volchko
Issue date: 8/27/07 Section: Sports
Ostergren is coming off an impressive spring and continues to prove his value.
"Stefan really turned the corner this spring and proved he was worthy of a spot on the field," Porter said.
Freshman Steve Zakuani should make an immediate impact on the offense with his speed and ability to create plays.
Defense has been the strength of the Zips for the last two seasons.
Junior Ossie Michalsen is in the center, and joining him will be senior Corey Sipos, who missed last season with a torn ACL. Senior and three-year starter Matt Augustine, will be at left back and right back will be Devin McKenney.
Sipos and Michalsen are back together. They were a large reason the defense owned the best goal-against-average in the nation in 2005.
"Corey has a tenacious style of play that sets the tone for everyone else," Porter said. "He really complements Ossie in the middle."
Many different faces will be seen at midfield this season.
The group will be led by senior Elliot Bradbrook, senior Steve Kalan and junior Matt Tutich.
Other athletes trying to show their talent will be sophomore Ben Zamanski, sophomore Vedran Ilic, sophomore C.J. Kaufman and freshman Ampaipitakwong.
The coaching staff is excited about Ampaipitakwong's ability at midfield.
"Ampai is a special player who brings excitement to the game," Porter said. "His creativity as a playmaker will help fill the void left by the graduation of Sinisa (Ubiparipovic)."
The Zips have been blessed to have junior Evan Bush in front of the net for the last two seasons.
He is considered one of the best in the nation.
"Evan's edge is in his psychological makeup," Porter said. "Nothing rattles him. He can make the special save, but won't get beat on easy goals."
Porter believes they have put together one of the strongest schedules in the country.
The first five games are against NCAA tournament teams. The Zips must fire out of the gates in order to gain national attention.
The Zips will face New Mexico at home in the Westfield Insurance Cup Friday at Lee Jackson Field at 7:30 pm.
"Stefan really turned the corner this spring and proved he was worthy of a spot on the field," Porter said.
Freshman Steve Zakuani should make an immediate impact on the offense with his speed and ability to create plays.
Defense has been the strength of the Zips for the last two seasons.
Junior Ossie Michalsen is in the center, and joining him will be senior Corey Sipos, who missed last season with a torn ACL. Senior and three-year starter Matt Augustine, will be at left back and right back will be Devin McKenney.
Sipos and Michalsen are back together. They were a large reason the defense owned the best goal-against-average in the nation in 2005.
"Corey has a tenacious style of play that sets the tone for everyone else," Porter said. "He really complements Ossie in the middle."
Many different faces will be seen at midfield this season.
The group will be led by senior Elliot Bradbrook, senior Steve Kalan and junior Matt Tutich.
Other athletes trying to show their talent will be sophomore Ben Zamanski, sophomore Vedran Ilic, sophomore C.J. Kaufman and freshman Ampaipitakwong.
The coaching staff is excited about Ampaipitakwong's ability at midfield.
"Ampai is a special player who brings excitement to the game," Porter said. "His creativity as a playmaker will help fill the void left by the graduation of Sinisa (Ubiparipovic)."
The Zips have been blessed to have junior Evan Bush in front of the net for the last two seasons.
He is considered one of the best in the nation.
"Evan's edge is in his psychological makeup," Porter said. "Nothing rattles him. He can make the special save, but won't get beat on easy goals."
Porter believes they have put together one of the strongest schedules in the country.
The first five games are against NCAA tournament teams. The Zips must fire out of the gates in order to gain national attention.
The Zips will face New Mexico at home in the Westfield Insurance Cup Friday at Lee Jackson Field at 7:30 pm.
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