University of the Cumberlands Men's Soccer 06-07 Preview

The University of the Cumberlands Men’s Soccer Team had a very successful 2005 season with a record of 14-5-0. They also finished with a record of 3-3 against Top 25 teams and 1-1 against Top 5 teams. The season looked very promising for the Patriots with a new coach, returning starters, and new additions to the team. Full of wins and heartbreaking losses the Patriots season ended short of their ultimate goal but plans are in the works to overcome all obstacles in 2006 and to reach the NAIA National Tournament.

The men’s soccer team started the year defeating UNC-Pembroke and winning the Subway Classic at Lees McRae University. Pembroke was the #4 team in the nation that week in the NCAA Division II rankings. In terms of quality play, the Patriots also recorded two stellar performances when they defeated #15 King College by a score of 4-0 and #17 Mid-Continent College 3-1.

The Patriots graduated four valuable seniors: Gerry Brennan, Todd Petzold, Charlie Pait and Jonathan Stranger. But the current Patriots are ready to step up and fill the voids. Returnees and Mid-South Conference honorees include: defender Russell Stewart (Forestfield Scotland), midfielder Bosko Cupac (Somerset, KY), Shawn Picou (Houma, LA), who was also nominated as All-American Honorable Mention for the second year in a row, forward Gino Ray (Slidell, LA), defender Ashleigh Townsend (Halifax, England), midfielder John Mills (Derby, England), forward Chris Waters (Grove City, OH) and midfielder Joe Townsend (Halifax, England).

The 2007 soccer recruiting class is full of talented individuals that will impact the teams’ success. There are two players coming from Junior College teams that played in the national championship game. Adding to this list are two more JUCO transfers and several high school standouts that will add to the roster and give the team much needed experience and depth.

“Based on the fact that we only lost two starters from last year's team, we anticipate a very successful season,” stated Cumberlands head man Paulo Neto. “On the top of that, we are bringing in some key players who will give us more depth in some positions and will make us a more complete squad. Finally, we had a tremendous spring season in terms of training and competition. That included convincing wins against top NCAA programs and a draw against a professional team - Cincinnati Kings (USL). But more importantly, players really bought into our philosophy and style of play and that will be the difference maker next season.”

Life doesn't get any easier for Cumberlands soccer though. Lindsey Wilson College, as the current national champion, is the team to beat. Since both the Patriots and Lindsey Wilson are in the same conference to make it to the big dance, the Patriots must defeat Lindsey. The team goal is to win the Conference regular season and tournament and ultimately make it to the national tournament.

With the Cumberlands soccer program experiencing much success and posting an impressive winning percentage, over .750 in the last two years, could 2006 be the year for the Patriots? “We will definitely keep the current scheme and style of play we so costly and passionately implemented last year. With the success we collected in 2005, the 2006 season is the time of the harvest for us,” said Neto.

The Patriots will travel to Brazil for pre-season training and will open up their season on Wednesday August 20, 2006 as they host Virginia Intermont at 4:00 PM.

04-05 Season Preveiw

05-06 Season Preview