SOCCER (M)

8/22/09 - Youth Will Lead Them

Fullerton, CA- With just one senior on the 2009 edition of Hope International Men’s Soccer, fourth year Head Coach Joe Lurker will rely heavily on his under classmen to carry the team.  The Royals open their season with a scrimmage on Tuesday against Long Beach City College followed with their true season opener on Friday on the road at Soka.

A revamped offense will lean on the scoring efforts of Sophomore Craig Jarvis and redshirt Freshman Edgar Bran (74 goals combined in his final two years of high school).  Sophomore Franky Atonya should be a major factor in the offense as well.

Junior Perris Rowan will look to spread out the opponent’s defense from his outside midfield spot. Sophomore Jesus Ramos and Junior transfer Anthony Magana will control the middle of the field from their center midfield positions.  Sophomore Billy Monnier will either round out the midfield on the outside or slide back to help solidify the middle of the defense. 

Speaking of defense, Juniors Adrian La Farge and Jon Castro return to the starting lineup.  Redshirt Freshmen Austin Lane appears ready to be a major factor in the defensive scheme with Freshman Brady Hansen set to step up as a force in the heart of the defense.  Freshmen Jake Shook and Matthew Howard will also be in the mix (though Howard probably will see time in the midfield as well).

Lone Senior Matt Fike returns to man the goal for his final collegiate season.  Sophomore Tyler Golden will serve as the backup goalkeeper.

Danilo Pereira and Ryan Gonzalez, both Sophomores, will make some noise off the bench as utility players.  Freshmen Corban Lambert and Edward Vera round out the reserves currently available to Coach Lurker.

After Soka, the Royals spend another six games on the road including a Northern California trip before finally having their home opener against Chapman on Friday, September 18th.  Eight days later the men will open their GSAC schedule on the road at Fresno Pacific.  All homes games, including their five home conference games, will be played at Cal State Fullerton.

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