University of the Cumberlands Men's Soccer 07-08 Preview

Making the Top 25 for the first time in the program’s history, Cumberlands soccer finished last season with a 15-5-2 (3-1-1) record. The Patriots also had an impressive 7-2-1 record against other Top 25 teams.

The team began last season with an eight day training session in Brazil. This along with a very successful season, contributed to the great surge of confidence within the team. Even with the incredible depth of the team, each player came to realize their individual role and contribution to the team. These advancements as a team led Cumberlands to be one of the most aggressive and dominating teams in the NAIA. During 2006 pre-season action, the Patriots tied the Cincinnati Kings, a USL professional team, just days before the Kings tied the top soccer program in the country, Indiana University.

In the upcoming season, the team’s basic philosophy will remain untouched. With eight returning starters, a wealth of returning underclassmen, and an outstanding recruiting class, the Patriots will continue to dominate the field. “Our strengths will continue to enhance and our weakness diminish,” stated Coach Paulo Neto. “Out of the 18 games we are scheduled to play, 11 will feature teams making appearances in the Top 25 last season, including the number one and two teams.”

Though the Patriots lost five players last season, including MSC Player of the Year Shawn Picou, and All-Conference members Ashleigh Townsend and Russell Stewart, Coach Neto is confident that the team will continue to grow, develop, and strengthen as a unit, eventually filling the gaps left behind.

Key signees for the upcoming season are transfers Alex e Abdi Hassan and Luis Souza, and incoming freshmen Lucas Martins, and Darius Khan. These talents, along with the tremendous potential of the rest of the incoming athletes, will have a great impact on the program.

With a winning percentage of over .750 in the past several years, the Patriots will continue to strengthen their schedule. Playing top teams, such as conference rival Lindsey Wilson, forces the men to become better athletes. The stronger the competition, the stronger the Patriots hope to become. With the new concept of functional training and mental preparation, the Patriots look forward to making the long anticipated trip to the National Tournament during the 2007-08 season.

Despite the tough competition scheduled for the upcoming season, the Patriots will continue to remain focused. Returning All-Conference members Joe Townsend, Bosko Cupac, Gino Ray, and Sean Aspendlind will lead the Patriots on their quest for qualification to the National Tournament.

04-05 Season Preveiw

05-06 Season Preview

06-07 Season Preview