2009 Men's Soccer Preview

This upcoming season the University of Dallas Men's soccer team is determined and poised to continue last season's success. During the 2008 campaign the Crusaders went 16-4-1 and won the NEAC conference tournament to earn an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. This accomplishment cannot be overlooked or devalued. Men's soccer captured the NEAC conference title which gave them the first NCAA playoff berth in the school's history.

Of course this incredible season came from a strong group of talent that will be missed by the program. With the losses from graduation, the team could have found themselves in a season of rebuilding with daydreams of last season's glories; instead, the team returns with great talent and little change in team scoring.

The 2009 men's soccer team features eight of last year's letter winners. Included in this group are team captains and senior midfielders Matt Stamper (Bentonville, AR/Bentonville H.S) and Aaron Tucker (Keller, TX/Birdville H.S). Stamper, a first team All-NEAC and first team AD3I standout and Tucker, a third team AD3I performer, will bring their experience and leadership to the youthful squad. Also leading by example is junior midfielder/forward Ryan Meske (Niwot, CO/Niwot H.S), a third team All-NEAC and AD3I second team player. Meske scored 8 goals to go along with 3 assists last season and is the team's highest returning scorer. This potent core of skills and leadership is exactly what UD needs and will rely upon. Of course the team is also grateful to have the leadership and skills of returning coach David Hoffman. Coach Hoffman has shown his ability to mold and discipline a winning team as he was named the AD3I's coach of the year after last season.

This season's team will feature 11 newcomers on the 33 player roster. Of the 11, eight are freshman. They are midfielders Billy Stofer (Albuquerque, NM/Sandia H.S), Alex Lebl (Flowood, MS/Jackson Prep), Blake Bonilla (Round Rock, TX/Stony Point H.S), midfield/defender Amir Nail (Houston, TX/St. Pius X H.S.), forwards Garrett Johnson (Lewisville, TX/Lewisville H.S.) and Thomas Velie (San Antonio, TX/James Madison H.S.). Joey Killion (Houston, TX/Katy H.S.) will play defender, and Sean Stauduhar (Longwood, FL/Lake Mary H.S.) is slated to play goalie.

Upperclassman joining the team this year are sophomore midfielder Patrick Butler (Farmers Branch, TX/Cistercian Prep), junior midfielder/forward Brad Namdar (Plano, TX/Plano West H.S.), and junior midfielder/defender Steven Harrill (Durham, NC/Cardinal Gibbons H.S.). The team expects contributions from every player and these 11 new members are doing their part.

The season opens September 1 at Austin College in Sherman, TX and the regular season ends on the road against Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX on October 31. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Dallas men will embark on a trip to the northeast in early November the NEAC tournament. Their quarterfinal match is scheduled for November 5. Of the 21 games of the season, there is 12 home games that fans can come help cheer the Crusaders to victory. The first home game is on September 11 against McMurry University at 4:00pm.