Orange Soccer Season Preview - Part III
8/15/2008 9:25:38 AM | Men's Soccer
Ordinarily replacing three-fourths of your starting defense is a daunting task, but with juniors Pete Hill and Brien Chamney, two players who started every match last year, shifting to their more natural positions and the emergence of forward-turned-defender Justin Arena, Syracuse’s defense may be even more stingy than last year when it posted the sixth-best goals-against average in school history (0.98).
"Brien and Pete were really playing out of position in the midfield," Foti said. "They were there because we really needed their muscle in that spot last year, so you’re replacing guys with experienced players. You’re bringing in guys who have been there before and have been through the BIG EAST battles. Pete is defender. He played there his first year, and Brien Chamney’s normal position is center back so he steps right in where Brad (Peetoom) was without missing a beat. We feel good about that.
"Justin Arena is probably the first true left back we’ve had here in 10 years. He’s athletic, he’s left-footed, and he really blossomed this spring into a valuable, attacking left back."
Anchoring the backline is last year’s lone returning defensive starter - senior Karol Wasielewski. Wasielewski shared team Defensive MVP honors with Peetoom last season. He also made his presence felt offensively, collecting two goals.
Justin Arena (Sophomore, 5-11, 185)
- Moved from forward to defense during spring practice.
- Played in 15 matches and had one assist in 2007.
Brien Chamney (Junior, 6-3, 200)
- Started every match in 2007.
- Moves from the midfield to defense this season.
Colin Haggerty (Freshman, 6-1, 153)
- All-state honorable mention at Winston Churchill High School in Maryland.
Pete Hill (Junior, 6-1, 170)
- Has started the Orange’s last 23 matches dating back to 2006.
- Moves from the midfield to defense this season.
Raoul Meister (Freshman, 6-1, 187)
- Captain for TSG Sprockhoevel youth soccer team in Germany.
Sean Summerville (Junior, 5-10, 161)
- Transferred from Roberts Wesleyan.
- 2007 NCCAA East Player of the Year.
Karol Wasielewski (Senior, 6-4, 198)
- Team’s co-Defensive MVP last year.
- Started all 18 games.
GOALKEEPERS
Cavicchia will be backed up by junior Andrew Usyk, redshirt freshman Christian Iordanou and true freshman Ryan Jones. Neither Usyk or Iordanou saw game action in 2007.
Jones was one of the top scholastic goalkeepers in the northeast last season. He comes to Syracuse from perennial New York State power Shenendehowa.
Robert Cavicchia (Senior, 6-0, 175)
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- Recorded four shutouts in 2007.
Christian Iordanou (R-Freshman, 6-3, 215)
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Andrew Usyk (Junior, 6-0, 180)
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- Played 30 minutes against Binghamton in 2006 in his only career appearance.
Ryan Jones (Freshman, 6-2, 175)
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- Led Shenendehowa to the state championship and a No. 12 national ranking in 2005.
