Photo Courtesy of Carl M. Wagner

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – When the Lock Haven University men’s soccer team takes to the pitch to kick off the 2008 season, the Bald Eagles will be looking to do what each team before them under head Doug Moore has done and that’s compete for a conference title.

The Haven men’s soccer program already owns 20 conference crowns and it is certainly looking to compete for a 21st this year.

Moore is more than pleased with his team, saying it’s one of the deepest squads; player one to 24 that he’s had.

One big change that is out of Moore and his players’ hands will be the new conference alignment, as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference men’s soccer action moves to two divisions. Lock Haven will play in the PSAC Western Division and will face two entirely new teams in the form of No.15Gannon and Mercyhurst Universities.

Everywhere you look there will be talent on the field for the Bald Eagles and Moore couldn’t be happier.

Lock Haven does have some big shoes to fill because of graduation losses, but they have some absolutely tremendous talent returning and Moore couldn’t be any happier with his recruited newcomers.

One huge advantage of having a deep squad is that all Moore’s players will see time on the field, which is beneficial because of LHU’s incredibly competitive schedule.

The never have a game where they could take a day off and Moore likes it that way.

“Our team knows they have to give a 100 percent every time they step on the field, with our team it’s just a given,” Moore said. “We don’t even discuss it.”

Experience, talent, a deep roster, 100 percent effort from every player on the field and there is nothing more Moore could ask of his troops.

Those also look to be the characteristics of a championships caliber team.

Attack:

Returning to provide exceptional experience up top is senior Paul Huckett (Grimsby, England/Grimbsy College), who is looking to cap off an already noteworthy career.

Last season he scored eight goals including a team-high four game-winners. He also dished out 10 assists for a total of 26 points, which was second best on the squad.

Two other returners that could prove to be Huckett’s prime running mate could be a duo of sophomores that come in the forms of Martin Pletz (Pittsburgh/Carlynton) and Doug Moran (Butler, Pa./Butler).

Pletz had a strong rookie season with six goals and one assist. Two of his six tallies were game-winners. The speedy Moran had one goal and five assists.

Newcomers Greg Shertzer (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) and William Pasukinis (Benton, Pa./Benton) both add fire power up top for The Haven.

Midfield:

Moore’s midfield unit should be very solid with talent ranging across the board.

Junior Colin Callaghan (Drexel Hill, Pa./Upper Darby) is the workhorse in the middle and does a lot of the little things. He will be counted to win balls and strengthen the midfield.

Also returning is Tommy Ehrlich (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty), who recently capped off a sensational summer season where he was named MVP of the National Premier Soccer League.

Sophomores Kyle Yoder (State College, Pa./State College) and Mark Auman (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield) will also be in the mix and are being counted on for big things this year.

Newcomer Chris Wagner (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) has Moore very pleased, saying he could be a huge benefit in a defensive midfield role.

Defense:

The Bald Eagles defense is something that should have fans very excited as they return a trio of players with exceptional experience.

The trio includes Drew Clemens (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest), Lyndell Pompey (Naparima College, Trinidad and Tobago/Wheeling Jesuit Univ.) and Kevin McCune (Butler, Pa./Butler).

All there saw the majority of minutes on the backline in ’07 and were rock solid for the crimson and white.

Also adding more depth on the defensive unit will be Terrence Gochera (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) and rookie Mark Tattersall (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep).

Goalkeeper:

After missing the majority of last season Billy Trimble (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) returns to take over between the pipes. He is in full form and adds All-Region caliber skill in net.

The Bald Eagles have two other solid keepers in Chris Custer (Aston, Pa./Sun Valley) and Chad Badorf (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township)

The Bald Eagles kick off the season tomorrow.