Lakeland College

2010 men's soccer season preview: Muskies look to build on recent success

Athletics - posted on 8/27/2010

The Lakeland men's soccer team will rely on its dominant junior class to lead the Muskies to their third straight Northern Athletics Conference Tournament.

The Muskies lost only two seniors to graduation, and return a young but experienced team ready to build on its recent success. There are no seniors on the roster this year.

"All of our upperclassmen are good guys," said new head coach Tony Pierce. "They are doing a good job at guiding the team. They set the standard of what they want to accomplish."

On the list of expectations this season is getting past the second round in the NAC Tournament and finishing .500 or better. Last season, the Muskies finished sixth in the NAC at 6-5, 8-10-1 overall. The team finished third in program history for goals and assists in one season and posted an impressive 5-3 mark on the road.

"Preparing and being mentally tough for each game is essential for going further in the season," said Pierce. "Exposing our weaknesses early on and correcting them will play in integral part in how much further we can go.

"I think we will be respectful this season. If we can defend properly and shut out other teams, it will give us a chance to win games."

Juniors Adam Benson (Anoka, Minn.), Bobby Rublee (Sheboygan, Wis.) and Ben Koepsell (Cedar Grove, Wis.) are key returnees who have showed their leadership through their play. Benson was second team All-NAC and Koepsell honorable mention All-NAC last fall, and Pierce is depending on their experience to reach the next level.

"The guys have been positive in practice and are receptive to my coaching," Pierce said. "They push themselves and each other hard."

The Muskies will start the season in a classic 4-4-2 formation and Pierce sees many players competing for the starting positions.

Competing at the forward position are juniors Troy Eichenberger (Monticello, Minn.), Joey Salazar (Beaver Dam, Wis.), Jeremy Hardy (Cooks, Mich.) and freshman Josh Lapka (Fargo, ND).

"Troy has traditionally played in the midfield, but he may end up being a forward," Pierce said. "He has great attacking abilities and can be a playmaker up top. Joey brings a lot to the pitch. He sees the field well and has emerged into a leadership role. Josh is a force to be reckoned with. He is adapting well to our style of play and he moves the ball well."

The battle in the midfield is tough with Benson and Koepsell taking the reins. "Benson brings a lot to the table," Pierce said. "He has a great work rate, attitude and vision. He reads the field well and is a major contributor to our offense.

"Koepsell is another one of our strong midfielders. He led the team last year in goals and is a solid athlete."

Also competing in the midfield is junior Danny Spatchek (Chilton, Wis.) and a trio of freshmen - Killian McKenzie (Oshkosh, Wis.), Jordan Van Ahn (Oshkosh, Wis.) and Charlie Zubal (Chippewa Falls, Wis.).

"Danny is technically very good, sees the field, sprays the ball around nice," Pierce said. "Killian brings speed and fitness to the midfield. I am excited to see his progress this season. Zubal will definitely get playing time in the center midfield. He's a hard working guy and fits in well with the mix of Adam, Danny and Ben."

Junior Bobby Rublee (Sheboygan, Wis.) is the foundation of Lakeland's defense. Rublee started in all 19 matches last season and earned honorable mention All-NAC.

"Bobby does a real nice leading the guys in the back," Pierce said. "He reads our opponents offense well and organizes the defense accordingly."

Freshman Justin Blauert (DePere, Wis.) has impressed Pierce in preseason and will likely see playing time at the central defense. Junior Derek Pitterle (Waukesha, Wis.) is a versatile player who Pierce envisions playing in the back or middle.

Goalkeeping for the Muskies is sophomore returnee Alex Piekarski (Menasha, Wis.). Piekarski was selected to the All-NAC freshmen team and has impressed Pierce with his play.

"Alex has done a great job in goal," Pierce said. "We expect him to make big saves and help organize the defense."

The Muskies open this season on the road Sept. 4 at Martin Luther in Minnesota. The home opener is Sept. 8 against Ripon, and NAC play begins Sept. 11 at home against Benedictine.

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