Aug. 20, 2010
Contact: Dan Carr
CLEVELAND, OHIO - With the first exhibition game of the season only days away, the Cleveland State men's soccer team began practices this week. The Vikings have been participating in scrimmages and drills to prepare for the start of the 2010 season.
Despite graduating a dozen seniors from last year's squad, coach Ali Kazemaini has high expectations for the upcoming season.
"On paper, if you graduate 12 players, you are supposed to be in rebuilding mode. We're not in that situation," Kazemaini said. "I'm excited about our younger players. Last year we recruited really well and got some talented people. I think we recruited well this year and got some quality guys who can play at the Division I level."
The Vikings also welcome nine freshmen and four transfer players for the 2010 season that should add quality depth to the roster. Kazemaini said he is expecting these newcomers to make an immediate impact on the field.
"Most of our younger players, they push the older members of our roster," Kazemaini said. "Our freshmen are technically and athletically suited to our style of play. We're going to have a good group of kids playing at a good level."
Kazemaini believes this competition will help prepare his team for the upcoming season.
"I think my toughest challenge this preseason will be figuring out the starting 11," he said. "We have a lot of quality players that will be pushing for playing time."
While most of the team consists of new members, Kazemaini will still be relying on strong leadership from the returning upperclassmen. Senior defender Audric Kilroy is one person he identified as being the key to a successful season.
"Audric has the potential to carry this team," Kazemaini said. "I expect him to be a leader. It will be up to him, and whether he can be consistent enough. If he continues to develop, he has the potential to be looked at by people at the professional level."
Kilroy helped lead a defense that recorded eight shutouts last season. The team only had three games in which they gave up more than two goals.
Among the other key returnees are a trio of sophomores, including midfielder Admir Suljevic, who was named to the Horizon League All-Newcomer team after finishing last season tied for fourth in the conference in assists with six; goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who was fifth in the Horizon League with 58 saves; and forward Aaron Adkins, who was also named to the All-Newcomer team after scoring four goals and adding two assists during the 2009 campaign.
The Vikings will attempt to build off last year's 7-8-1 record, in which the team went undefeated at home for the second straight season. Since a 4-0 loss to Detroit at the end of the 2007 season, Cleveland State is 11-0-3 when playing at Krenzler Field. The team has only had three home games in that stretch in which they allowed more than one goal.
"We're excited for the season," Kazemaini said. "I think we've turned the corner a little bit."
Cleveland State will kick off its 2010 campaign Tuesday (Aug. 24) with an exhibition match at Ohio State. The squad's first regular season contest will take place at St. Bonaventure on Wednesday, Sept. 1.
The home opener will take place on Sunday, Sept. 5, when the Vikings will host Niagara at 3:00pm.
