Some educational experiences are more painful than others, just ask the University of Portland men’s soccer team. When you lose on penalty kicks 10-9 in the second round of the NCAA playoffs to the eventual runner-up, it is downright painful. Some coaches and players would fret over the result and let it linger, but Portland head coach Clive Charles and his coaching staff are not that type. Instead they focus on the positives that came from the experience, and preach that the past is mere history and the present is where the focus needs to be.
“One of our main strengths this year will be the experience that our players have gained from last season,” said Charles. “We have several guys who have made it to the playoffs and into the second round, that is something to build on this season.”
The Pilots return 18 players from the 2002 roster and add five newcomers to the squad. Although a majority of the team returns, Portland lost some very key elements. Leading scorer and all-American forward Nate Jaqua skipped his senior year after being drafted third overall in the Major League Soccer Superdraft and signing with the Chicago Fire. Goalkeeper Curtis Spiteri now plays professionally with the Portland Timbers, after a magnificent career that statistically placed him as one of the best between the pipes in school history.
An experienced defense, which returns all four starters this season, will be led by senior Kyle Tanner and junior Paul Robinson. Seniors Jarrod Weis and Erik Cronkrite are wide midfielders who mirror each other in terms of skills, finesse and attacking capabilities. The 2002 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year, Alejandro Salazar will be looked upon to shoulder much of the scoring load with the departure of Jaqua.
There are lots of questions surrounding the team and what it is capable of this fall. Although returning several talented players, the team lacks an established marquee player.
“I think that could end up being a strength,” Charles said. “It doesn’t put so much pressure on one individual and our teamwork becomes much more important. Right now, we don’t have anyone who has established themselves as a star in collegiate soccer, but I think that’s about to happen with one or two of our players.”
The pieces are in place and the season is before us, so what are the expectations for the 2003 campaign?
“Our first goal is to make the playoffs,” says Charles. “Once you make the playoffs it’s anybody’s game. Defending our conference championship would be nice. We’ll focus on accomplishing those goals and then we can reassess the situation.”
FORWARDS
Sophomore Alejandro Salazar turned many heads with his performance as a freshman and returns as the Pilots leading scorer. A playmaker, Salazar scored eight goals and tallied two assists en route to a first-team all-WCC selection.
“Alejandro had a very good year last season,” said Charles. “He is a very skilled and talented scorer who also has the ability to distribute to teammates as well.”
Josh Simpson will also be looked upon to contribute offensively. The 6-0 junior has battled injuries his first two years as a Pilot, but has been a major force in the Pilot attack when he played. Capable of changing games with his aggressive nature, Simpson is expected to add to his five goals and four assists.
“Josh’s style is very aggressive and direct,” Charles said. “He’s an exciting player who is often unpredictable.”
Another weapon for the Pilots is sophomore striker Patrick Mooney. Strong and quick, Mooney is capable of making an impact with increased playing time and improved ball control. Mooney could see lots of action up front for Portland.
Freshman recruit Christopher Sanders rounds out the front for the Pilots. Sanders has the size and skill to be an immediate impact player. Charles describes Sanders as a “target player” who creates a different option for Portland’s offense.
MIDFIELDERS
Perhaps the deepest position, competition for midfield minutes will be tough and the coaches will have a variety of directions to go. The good mix of youth and experience will serve as a good transitional phase, and also provide much depth and security.
The improved play of seniors Jarrod Weis and Erik Cronkrite have made them a force on both sides of the field, providing both defensive stability and igniting the Portland offensive attack. With Cronkrite on the left side and Weis on the right, the Pilots have enjoyed quality crosses and explosive wing capabilities. Weis exhibited his passing abilities by tying a school record with four assists in one game (a 6-0 win over DePaul). He finished tied for the team lead in assists with seven last season. Weis has 13 career assists to go along with four goals.
Cronkrite tallied six goals and four assists last season, giving him eight goals and nine assists in two years as a Pilot. Five of his goals have been game winners, attesting to his ability to score in the clutch. Cronkrite, much like Weis, has the ability to jump-start the offense if the forwards are unable to break free. They will both be expected to pressure the defense by attacking the gaps.
“Jarrod and Erik come in with lots of experience,” said Charles. “They have both shown the ability to continually improve and we will look forward to their growth as seniors. We need them to make quality crosses and keep the pressure on the defense.”
Pilot junior Mario Picarelli will play an important role as a defensive midfielder. Picarelli has been a large part of the Pilot’s successful defense over the last two years. He is described as a “ball-winner” with great work ethic. Picarelli played in 15 games last season, seven of which ended as Pilot shutouts.
Sean Babcock is another player who will compete for a starting role. Babcock played in 19 games last season, starting in 12. He tallied two assists and was a force on both sides of the ball. Tor Southard is a sophomore who is a good distributor. Southard played in three games last year as a utility substitute.
Brothers Ari and Josh Oklan will add depth to the Pilot midfield position. Ari redshirted last season and hopes to stay healthy and make an impact this year. Josh helped Terra Linda High School to three league championships and the 2002 NCS (North Coast Section) championship. Josh was first-team all-league pick as a junior and senior.
The Pilots also welcome the likes of Eric Fredback, Boback Talebi and Kevin Thornton to the program this season.
Fredback has a large frame and will be a defensive midfielder. Charles describes him as “a good distributor and ball handler.” Fredback helped Timberline High School to the 2001 Idaho State Championship and earned all-conference honors.
Talebi will be expected to get behind defenses and create scoring opportunities. He will be an attacking midfielder, much like Weis. Out of Lake Washington High School, Talebi led the Kingco League in assists for the past three years. He was the second leading scorer in the league as a junior.
Thornton is a central midfielder out of Salpointe Catholic High School in Tuscon, Ariz. He helped Salpointe to a 24-1 record as a senior, and his 2002 team was the runner-up at the State Championships. Thornton will take on a playmaker role, serving as a link between the defense and offense.
DEFENDERS
Senior Kyle Tanner will once again anchor the Pilot defense. He is joined on the back line with junior Paul Robinson. The duo is this year’s team captains and both will take on a lot more responsibility within that role. Tanner has been a starter throughout his collegiate career and he will be pivotal to the back line, especially with the lack of experienced goalkeepers on the roster. A solid central defender, his main task will be to keep the defense organized. Tanner was an honorable mention all-WCC pick for the second consecutive year last season.
Tanner will be joined by Robinson, another seasoned veteran in the defensive scheme. Robinson played a significant role last season helping the Pilots to 10 shutouts, only giving up 18 goals. Robinson will be pivotal in aerial battles, his 6-3 frame should give him a distinct advantage over the competition. Both Tanner and Robinson should be the vocal leaders this season.
Sophomores Heath Pearce and Miguel Guante had excellent freshman campaigns and look to carry that forward into this season. Pearce started all 20 games for the Pilots, registering two goals and five assists. A member of the U-20 national team, Pearce was an honorable mention all-WCC performer. According to Charles, “Heath is one of the best leftbacks in the country.”
Guante also started all 20 games last season. He was a 2002 all-WCC pick and will play opposite of Pearce in 2003.
Josh Brown saw action in 10 games as a freshman, starting in three. Brown brings a physical presence to the field along with good tools and a capable air game.
Sophomore Brian Cotlove is a valuable utility defender who received a medical hardship waiver last season. Senior twin brothers John and Ryan Domingo have also battled injuries throughout their careers. Ryan played just one game last season and registered an assist against DePaul. Sophomores Jason Young and Alex Darbut will add depth to the defensive positions for the Pilots.
GOALKEEPERS
With the departure of four-year starter Curtis Spiteri, Portland will turn to some talented young keepers with hopes of career success much like their predecessors. Redshirt freshman Luis Robles is the early favorite to see most of the action.
“Luis is one of the most talented goalkeepers in the country,” said Charles.
Robles was a 2001 NSCAA prep all-America for Bueno High School in Arizona. He was also a member of the U.S. U-18 national team, and briefly joined the U-20s for training. Robles was a first-team all-state selection as a junior and senior.
Senior Justin Carter is the only man on the roster who has logged minutes in net at the collegiate level. Carter has played in eight career matches with two starts. He has shared three shutouts in his career and owns a 1.67 goals against average. Carter is a vocal leader and will be a solid returnee for the Pilots.
Brandon Bronars also redshirted last season and is a highly decorated athlete. Bronars was an all-state tournament pick, an all-Region selection, Region Keeper of the Year, and an all-Metro award winner as a senior for Briarcrest Christian High School in Memphis, Tenn.
THE SCHEDULE
The 2003 Pilot opponents are a conglomerate of talented and historically successful teams. Portland faces six teams from the 2002 College Cup and three teams that were ranked in the final top-25 by the NSCAA.
“It is a brutal schedule,” said Charles. “The road games are going to be very tough. If we can get out of September with a reasonable record, we’ll be doing great.”
The Pilots open the season hosting the NIKE Invitational on Aug. 30-Sept. 1, facing both Oakland and UNLV. After traveling to Washington on Sept. 5, Portland returns home to play Oregon State. A difficult road trip follows which includes Creighton’s Ameritas Classic, pitting the Pilots against 2002 semifinalist Creighton and SW Missouri State on Sept. 12-14 and is followed by a swing through California to meet tournament tested CS Fullerton and defending national champion UCLA. The Pilots continue north to the Husky Classic on Sept. 26-28, to face South Carolina and Kentucky.
The conference schedule begins at Gonzaga on Oct. 4. Portland hosts Saint Mary’s, Loyola Marymount and San Diego, while facing Santa Clara and San Francisco on the road. A non-conference match at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Nov. 9 concludes the regular season for the Pilots.
