Haven Men's Soccer
2005 Season Outlook

Fans of Lock Haven University men’s soccer will be treated to another exciting season if defending Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Coach of the Year Doug Moore has anything to say about it. The team will feature a up-tempo attack-style offense and defense with a “squad approach” of using the entire bench throughout the season.

“We need excellent depth for the grueling schedule this season of 16 PSAC contests,” Moore said. “We could win convincingly on Saturday, and have four or five new faces in the lineup on Tuesday’s game. It’s all about match-ups and who’s playing the best on that given day.”

The 2004 PSAC Champions return many important cogs from a year ago, and according to Moore, “barring injury” will be poised for a strong defense. The team won it’s first PSAC title since 1996, due in part to an undefeated 9-0-1 record on their home McCollum Field.

Goalkeepers

“I’ve got three goalkeepers that could start for any team in the conference,” Moore revealed. “That puts us in a welcome, but tough spot of whom to choose on a daily basis.”

Sophomore Chad Feerrar (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain) and junior Matt Deming (Gibsonia, Pa./Pine Richland) split time a season ago, with Feerrar coming out ahead after a Deming injury. Feerrar finished with a 11-2-1 record, utilizing five shutouts, while Deming posted a 4-3 mark in nine appearances. Joining the fray are freshman Bill Trimble (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) and Brandon Stroup (Troy, Pa.) who returns after a season off.

Defense

Doing their best to replace all-region performer Dustin Bixler, now a member of the United Soccer Leagues’ Harrisburg City Islanders, will be a well-experienced group of attacking defenders.

Senior Michael Skeggs (Blacktown, Australia/Evans), juniors Zach Gibbon (Long Valley, N.J./West Morris Central), Garrett Neumann (Perkiomenville, Pa./Boyertown) and Liam McManus (State College, Pa./State College), all saw significant field time as starters in 2004, chipping in a combined three goals and five assists. Senior David Young (Hellertown, Pa./Saucon Valley) took over captain duties in the spring season, doing a “fantastic job” both on and off the field as a central defender.

Derek Kline (Mt. Wolf, Pa./Northeastern) enters his second year in the program and will continue to push for a spot. Adam Rice (Williamsport, Pa./Saint Leo University), a transfer from Saint Leo University, and freshman Michael Smith of the UK give Moore six players to battle for three spots.

Midfield

Midfield is a junior-dominated area, as Andrew Meehan (Cheltenham, Pa./Cheltenham), Patrick Long (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain), Eric Long (Bloomsburg, Pa./Central Columbia) and Chris Spinks (Dunfermline, Scotland/Queen Anne) were all a part of Moore’s initial recruiting class.

“With just two seniors, we’re going to need members of that junior class to step up and play to their potential,” he said. “We need leadership from this group to be successful.”

An All-PSAC selection, Meehan was the team’s second-leading scorer a season ago, posting eight goals and two assists. Spinks and Patrick Long added four strikes and three assists apiece.

Sophomore David Johnson (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) will also see time on the left side, as will Adam Wolf (Williamsport, Pa.) and junior Jon Young (Easton, Pa./Lehigh Valley Christian). Johnson was the team’s leading assist man a season ago, aiding on seven scores. Senior Tom Skrivanek (St. James, N.Y./Smithtown) and freshman Tom Ehrlich (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) will also battle for the right-side spot.

Forwards

Sophomore Ashley Rosindale (Bradford, England/Beckfoot School) made an immediate impact as a rookie a season ago, posting team highs in goals (12) and points (29) en route to a PSAC Rookie of the Year trophy. The outstanding striker also earned all-region and PSAC Championship MVP Honors in his first season.

Another dangerous foot, junior David Russell (Weatherly, Pa./Weatherly) and his six goals help pace the Bald Eagle scoring attack. Newcomers Paul Huckett (Grimsby, England) and Scott Patrick (Hershey, Pa./Lower Dauphin) will look to find time on the front line. Huckett “possesses blinding speed” and was recruited by Division I programs, said Moore. At 6-foot-2, Patrick is a “big lad” that will give the team long-ball capability.

“Our team has a character of confidence,” Moore said. “We use a physical, push and run type of style where we try to win every game, home or away. With limited preparation time, we can’t afford to be overly clever as coaches, we put players in a position, but it’s up to them to win the game.”

The Bald Eagles take the field Friday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. as they host the University of New Haven.