2008 Woodie Awards
Men's soccer begins new era with scoring touch in win
By: Julian Williamson
Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Sports
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The preseason scrimmage was the first time the men's soccer team took the field this year. The strength of the young roster was on display as they punished the 49ers from start to finish.
"I think things look really good for this season," said freshman midfielder Nick Tedrow.
Despite having only three seniors on the roster and a disappointing 8-12 season last year, new head coach, Felipe Restrepo does not call this a rebuilding season for the 'Cats.
"This is more of an exploratory year," Restrepo said. "We don't yet know much about the competition ahead, but what we've got going on is a solid group of veterans and a very talented underclass."
The California Collegiate Athletic Association also sees this year as more than a mere stepping stone, pre-ranking Chico State at No. 2 in the North Division.
The news of being ranked behind only Sonoma State did not intimidate midfielder Nic Munley, one of the Wildcat seniors.
"It won't change much because teams never really liked playing against us," Munley said. "We don't mess around."
This aggressive attitude was apparent against the 49ers, when the visitors struggled to move the ball to the Wildcats' end of the field.
Solid play from forward Benjamin Moukoko and midfielder Evan Armstrong, who scored two goals, kept the ball on the attack.
To quell the few Yuba City offensive uprisings, junior goalkeeper Michael Keohane communicated with his defense, shouting out directions and stopping the attack.
The only Yuba City goal came from a penalty kick late in the game against freshman goalkeeper Tyler Nielsen.
Many returning Wildcats think the team has more off-the-field chemistry and potential than in the past.
"Team morale is a lot higher compared to before. Trust in coaches, teammates - it's just better," Munley said.
Just days before the scrimmage, the team and coaching staff were on a retreat in Shasta to create a sense of unity for the players.
"Everyone gets along great," Tedrow said. "We've been going out to team dinners almost every night, and we've really meshed together as a unit."
In his few months with the 'Cats, Restrepo has witnessed much improvement within the team and he sees the steps needed to succeed in the season ahead.
"We really need to just work on getting comfortable with our system of play, which you can only do in games," Restrepo said. "The scrimmage was a very good start in that direction, us gelling as a group and playing well together."
The Wildcats suffered their first loss Sunday against UC Davis.
Julian Williamson can be reached at
jwilliamson@theorion.com
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