Aug. 13, 2003
The 2003 version of the Kentucky men’s soccer team will feature more newcomers (21) than returning letterwinners (14). However, the expectations of 10th-year coach Ian Collins and his staff have not lowered. Collins expects his team to compete in every match and be a national contender by the end of the season.
“I’m very confident that by the end of the year this will be a very strong team,” Collins said.
Over the next three days, UKAthletics.com will preview the men’s soccer program for the upcoming season, which begins with two exhibition matches at the IPFW/adidas Classic in Fort Wayne, Ind., against Indiana (Aug. 22) and Michigan State (Aug. 24). Today we take a look at the forward position.
Forwards
Senior Brooke Pearse is the most experienced front-runner for the Cats. Pearse has appeared in 56 matches in his career and UK will rely on his experience and leadership up front.
“Brooke has all the experience for us up front,” Collins said. “He has improved every year since being here and that is due to the fact that his work rate is second-to-none. Brooke has a real impact on the field.”
In addition to Pearse, junior Jonathan Brunet and senior Brian Carmany are the only other two Cats on the roster who played last season at the forward position. Brunet, who transferred from the University of Alabama-Huntsville after his freshman year, is expected to see more action in his second season at UK.
“Jonathan should provide us with much needed depth on the left side of the field,” Collins said.
Brian Carmany, also in his second season with the Cats after transferring from Hartwick College, should see increased playing time after appearing in eight matches last season.
Pearse, Brunet and Carmany will be accompanied by five talented newcomers; three transfers and two outstanding freshmen.
Sophomore Nick Aguilar, who started 16 games for the Wisconsin Badgers last season, has valuable experience at the Division I level.
“Nick is a very good attacking player with flair and creativity,” Collins said. “He will fit in well with the players we already have on the field.”
Joining Aguilar as transfers are juniors Todd Brittingham (Barton County Community College) and Daniel Ferriter (Davidson College). At 6-4, Brittingham provides the Cats with much needed size up front and should be an imposing presence for opposing defenses to handle. The Rose Hill, Kan., native led Barton in all major offensive categories in 2002, scoring 14 goals and adding six assists for a total of 34 points.
“Todd is very good in the air and has great feet for a big man,” Collins said.
Ferriter comes from a family of great soccer players as his older sister, Meghan, played at Davidson before him and his younger brother, Paddy, currently plays for Davidson. Last season, Ferriter started 14 of 20 matches for Davidson and was named Southern Conference Player of the Week in October.
“Dan brings a great amount of experience at a top program,” Collins said. “He has a great work ethic and will provide another dimension for us going forward.”
UK’s two freshmen forwards will look to make an instant impact this season. Michael Dugger, a Hanson, Ky., native was a four-year starter at Madisonville North Hopkins and was selected All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as a senior. Dugger ranks second all-time in Kentucky high school soccer with 151 career goals and earned All-District honors all four years.
“Michael scored a lot of goals in high school,” said Collins. “I am looking forward to seeing the transition he makes to the college game.”
The other fresh addition, Riley O’Neill, comes to UK all the way from Campbell River, British Columbia. The 6-2 O’Neill led the Timberline Secondary School to a Provincial AAA title and was named tournament MVP in 2001. He spent this past May touring Austria and the Czech Republic with the Canadian Men’s Youth Development Team, scoring goals in competition against both national squads.
“Riley is the stereotypical big man,” Collins said. “He is big, strong and very good in the air. He is good around the goal and I expect him to adapt to the college game very well.”
UKAthletics.com will preview the midfielders tomorrow.
