2010 WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON SEASON PREVIEW (8/19)

The Washington and Jefferson College men's soccer team has knocked on the door of the conference championship in recent seasons and this could be the year the Presidents are most poised to kick it down.  W&J has played in seven of the last eight conference tournament championship matches, including three in a row, but has not earned the trophy since 2007. 

In Head Coach Ian McDonald's 20th season at the helm, the Presidents boast a team featuring a wealth of experience.  When the Presidents take the field in their opener at Carnegie Mellon University on September 1, they'll front a squad returning 11 seniors and 10 starters overall.

"Expectations are high on the seniors, as well as our great freshmen class," said McDonald.

Those players return after the 2009 team fell just short of the conference title.  The Presidents dropped the conference championship game 1-0 at Thomas More in Kentucky; however, the Presidents' 12-7-1 finish left much to be desired.

The seniors' experience playing in two of the past three conference championship games, winning one, will be invaluable.  Along with experience, the 2010 Presidents' squad features defensive grit and a touch of international flair.

Mike Pappas is the squad's returning leading scorer. Pappas enters his senior season on the heels of a 10-goal, 21-point junior year.  Also starring on offense will be senior midfielder Chris Skovira, who finished third last year in points with 14 (five goals, four assists).

On defense, Washington & Jefferson will be led by a pair of First Team All-PAC performers Sean Maddock and Stephen Bosak {pictured}.  Bosak's six goals were third on the team a year ago, while Maddock is an Academic All-District defender who helped the Presidents post 10 shutouts. 

All-PAC defenders Turner Anderson and Josh Weber also return following breakout seasons last fall.  Pacing the Presidents in net is senior goalkeeper Brandon Kern.  Kern made 11 starts last season and compiled a 0.95 goals-against average. 

For the first time, the Presidents feature two international players on their roster. Both players hail from France on a semester-long study abroad program.  Oliver Courade (Grenoble, France) and Homayoun, Falakshahi (Massy, France) will add depth to the team.  Last year, goalkeeper Simen Myrum (Lillehammer, Norway) became the first international player to play soccer for Washington & Jefferson.

The biggest question mark for McDonald's team is how to replace last season's leading point scorer Dan Hart.

Hart's 22 points led all players, and his graduation left a void in the offense that needs key players to fill.  If there's any year McDonald can rely on experience, it's this one.  It'll be on that experience McDonald will draw as the Presidents pursue another shot at a conference championship this season.

-- PRESIDENTS --