2006 Marietta College men's soccer preview

Aug. 22, 2006
TWINSBURG, Ohio - After committing to a rebuilding year in 2005, Marietta will continue to develop and integrate young players into the program this season.

The captains—Joel Nau (midfielder), Shawn Urbanek (defender) and Mike Zourdos (midfielder)—are expected to build off last year’s 7-10 record and lead the team back to its winning ways. Nau finished with four goals and one assist in his second year with the program in 2005. Zourdos added three goals and one assist, while Urbanek contributed one assist last year.

Sophomore Felix Ntow returns as the team’s leading scorer, totaling 15 points (seven goals, one assist) in 15 games a year ago.

After having four freshmen tend goal in 2005, Marietta will look for one of the three returning sophomores to emerge as the main keeper in 2006.

The coaching staff looks forward to another entertaining and high-energy season, but hopes that the team will come together as a unit early in the preseason and commit to the game plan for 90 minutes each time it takes the field. The Pioneers plan to be more competitive in the OAC and strive to make the tournament this season.

"The combination of a strong off season, positive attitude and solid leadership, leads me to believe that we are poised to have a successful season in 2006," said Head Coach Pat Holguin.

Marietta opens the season at home with the MC Classic on September 2-3. The Pioneers will take on Richard Stockton (N.J.) in their first game of the tournament on Saturday at 4 p.m. The consolation game is slated for 11 a.m., while the championship will kickoff at 3 p.m. on Sunday.