The Ottawa University Men’s Soccer team comes into the 2009 season being chosen for fourth place in the Kansas College Athletic Conference.
Last season the Braves finished with a 9-9-1 record, and a 6-3-0 record in conference play. It was the team’s best record in three years.
Senior Matt Walton believes that the team is developing well.
“We have good players coming into this,” Walton said. “There’s definitely a good team chemistry on and off the field. We just need to step it up in practice.”
Six seniors return to this year’s squad, as well as 2008 All-KCAC selections Colin Wylie, Marvin Graham and Phillip Nguyen. Hopefully, that will account for an abundance of leadership on the team.
Sophomore midfielder Jeff Savage, a communications major, believes the Braves’ leaders have them primed for a big season.
“I believe leadership-wise we have arguably two of the best captains and players in the KCAC with Marvin Graham and Colin Wylie,” said Savage. “They both are excellent leaders on and off the field, and it definitely shows in our play.”
Head Coach Bob Casper is entering his third season as OU’s head coach. With improvements each season so far, it seems Casper has the team headed in the right direction.
“The coaching tandem of Coach Casper and Coach Shaw really has helped improve our team with our tactics, skills, and communication,” said Savage. “They really know the concepts that make winning teams and how to articulate those ideas to us.”
The Braves played their first two games out of state, beginning with a Sept. 4 game against Simpson College in Davenport, Iowa. This was followed by a Sept. 6 match up with St. Ambrose University in Muscatine, Iowa.
Walton hopes to grow after two tough losses.
“We need to score goals and have the defense hold to win games,” Walton said. “As we move into the season, we need to play hard, score goals and keep on top.”
This year’s team looks to see growth on the field, just as much as they have seen off of it.
“I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been a part of a team that’s as close-knit as ours,” said Savage. “Our on field chemistry is great and continues to grow, and there is a genuine family-like atmosphere with all of us.”