July 20, 1998
LEXINGTON, Ky. – After a 1997 season that saw the Kentucky men’s soccer team turn in a runner-up finish in the Mid-American Conference and a solid 12-7-2 overall record, expectations are naturally a little higher for 1998. With an impressive mix of returning, experienced veterans and a crop of talented newcomers, UK should once again challenge for the MAC Championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Goalkeeper
Kentucky is fortunate to have perhaps the best 1-2 punch at goalkeeper in the MAC and the Mideast region in sophomore Brian O’Leary and senior Chris West. Both are proven performers and both are widely regarded as professional prospects. O’Leary, a former Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Kentucky, started 13 games last season, turning in a solid 1.62 goals-against-average. West, an All-MAC selection in 1995, played in 10 games after recovering from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the 1996 season and recorded a 1.20 GAA. Newcomer Rob Mayer adds depth to the goalkeeping corps, and could contribute early in his career.
Defense
At 6-4, sophomore Ryan Grady is an imposing figure in the center of the UK defense. Expected to be the anchor of a very strong defensive unit, Grady has the potential to become a dominant player for UK. Joining Grady in the center of the defense will be newcomer Ilkka Jantti. A member of the Finnish Olympic Team, Jantti should contribute immediately. Returnees Todd Stonestreet and Tyler Cook should grab the two outside marking back positions. Stonestreet started 17 games in the UK defense last season, while Cook made tremendous strides during preseason work. Junior Rob Frey could also challenge for a starting role in the backfield, while junior Jay Marshall and newcomer Juan Jackson will add valuable depth.
Midfield
Perhaps UK’s deepest position on the field, the midfield returns seven players from last season and features four promising newcomers. Each of the seven returnees played in at least 15 games and provide a tremendous amount of experience. Lee Baker, a 1997 All-MAC selection, was one of just two players to start all 21 games last season. One of five Gatorade Regional Player of the Year winners in 1996, Baker should again be a force in the UK midfield. Senior Billy Dwyer started all 20 of the games in which he played last season and is one of only four seniors on the team. John Hinds, another senior, is UK’s third returning starter in the midfield, and he and Dwyer should provide much of the leadership for the Wildcats this season. Juniors Bryan DePriest and Scott Sersen also bring a wealth of experience to this year’s squad. Each recorded two assists on the season and should challenge for significant minutes in the midfield. Despite having just one season of collegiate soccer under their belts, sophomores Giovanni Fernandes and Brent Rainey should both contribute in the UK midfield this season. Newcomers Chris McAlpine, Lee London, Brian Mitts and Ed Davis could all challenge for playing time and will add tremendous depth to a strong midfield.
Forward
In the past, the Kentucky front line has featured small, quick forwards who could dazzle with their scoring ability. This season, the UK forward spot showcases big, quick forwards who can dazzle with their scoring ability. Five of UK’s frontrunners stand 6-1 or taller and bring a measure of size and strength to the forward position and give Kentucky an outstanding aerial presence. All six forwards will challenge for a starting spot, giving UK several options up front. Juniors Michael Stickler and Jason Bell are the Wildcats’ only returnees at forward. Stickler, standing 6-3, played in 12 games a year ago, and will be expected to shoulder much of the scoring load. Bell, at 5-8, appears out of place in the tall UK front line, but has the team’s top vertical leap, a whopping 38 inches, and can score in the air as easily as on the ground. Newcomers Travis Byars and Marc Theriault stand 6-4 and 6-3, respectively, and should provide offense for UK this season. Brian Peacock and Jason Pretcher, both at 6-1, should also provide a boost to a high-powered front line.
With a schedule featuring national powers such as Indiana, San Diego, Cal-State Fullerton, UNC Greensboro and Bowling Green, the Wildcats will be tested early and often. But with a wealth of talent and experience, the Wildcats could pass with flying colors. And once the MAC Tournament rolls around, UK holds the favorable position of host.
