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The Shawnee State University Men's Soccer Team anticipates its most
successful season in recent memory. "We have a solid group of
experienced players joined by the best recruiting class in the
history of the program," said Coach Ron Goodson. "If we take
care of business, it could be a banner year for Shawnee State
Soccer." Fifteen players return from last year's 3-12-2 team.
Leading the group is senior Gonzalo Perez-Beck, a two-time 2nd Team
All-American Mideast Conference selection. With 21 career
goals, he needs just 2 to become the all-time leading goal scorer.
In addition, he needs just 3 assists to be the all-time leader in
that category as well. "Gonzalo is a tremendous player," said
Goodson. "All of our success starts with him in the middle."
Also returning are seniors Jonathon Venters, Blake Shelton,
Graham Purdy, and Kurt Rininger; juniors Ryan Appell, Matt Lonsinger
and Ross Frantz; and sophomores Jordan Buck, Drew Sampson, Rocky
Dunkin, Bryan Barker, Michael Cornell, Danny Frantz, and Chris
George.
Venters and Shelton both earned Honorable Mention All-AMC
recognition last season. Venters has 3 career shutouts to his
credit. Shelton has played 51 games over the course of his
career. Appell has 4 goals and 5 assists over the past two
seasons. Drew Sampson scored 3 goals and tallied 4 assists as
a freshman.
"All of our returning players saw quality minutes last season,"
said Goodson. "We had a relatively good year last year, and a
great off-season. I look for continued improvement from each
and every one of these young men."
Headlining the list of new players are transfer Wayne Daugherty
and freshmen Rusty Ortman, Kazz Hall, and Brad Reffitt.
"Wayne is a big, strong player and will help anchor the defense.
He plays smart and always under control," said Goodson. "Ortman
and Hall are great pick ups from Zane Trace High School. Rusty
can play anywhere in the field and has good ball skills with both
feet. Hall is a 6'3" defender and is great in the air.
Reffitt is the all-time leading scorer at Hillsboro High School."
Other newcomers include Michael Mohr, Barry Collins, Paul Adkins,
Andrew Kachilla, Bobby Krauss, Steven Cox, Weston Thobaben, Ken
Shonkwiler, and Josh Hall.
"On paper we look very strong and very deep," said Goodson.
"If we perform up to our ability and do what we need to do both on
and off the field, this could be one of the most successful seasons
in school history. This is the most talented team I have seen
in my years at Shawnee State and I am looking forward to getting the
season underway."
Shawnee State opens the 2007 season at West Virginia Tech
University on August 24. Shawnee State's home opener is
Tuesday, September 4 versus Ohio Valley University. Game time
is 4:00 p.m. at Shawnee State Field. |
