2005 Pioneers soccer preview

Aug. 22, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College men’s soccer team will return to the newly renovated Marietta Field for the 2005 campaign, however, 10 letterwinners from last years squad will be missing. As graduation claimed a very talented group of leaders, eighth-year head coach Patrick Holguin will rely on his experienced returnees, as well as a strong freshman class of 20 student-athletes to make headway in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) in 2005.

Senior Brad Maddox, who led the team in points (11) and shots (39), while tying for the top spot in goals (4), assists (3) and game-winning goals (2) in 2004, will be looked upon to lead the squad this season. Helping Maddox will be senior Nick Tunnell, whose defensive capabilities will be much needed as MC prepares to replace All-OAC goalkeeper Adam Cervenka in 2005. The Pioneers will also look to juniors Mike Zourdos and Shawn Urbanek, and sophomore Joel Nau to maintain a high level of play on the soccer field for Marietta this season.

As mentioned before, Holguin will usher in 20 new faces this season. He is expecting immediate contributions from his young players, as fans will see at least five to eight of the youngsters in the starting lineup at any given time throughout 2005.

“The team has quite a bit of work ahead of them this season,” said Holguin. “The underclassmen will have to mature quickly, and I believe they have the ability to do so.”

The Pioneers begin their season with a 1 p.m. game against Kenyon at the MC Classic on September 3, 2005.