With last year's Mid-American Conference Championship loss to Akron erased from their memories, the men's soccer team is excited to get back into the mix of things in hopes of returning to the MAC Championship in November.
The Bulls were satisfied with the way the 2007 season played out, but were disappointed in losing four of their last five games. Throughout the season, the Bulls showed signs of great progress, which ultimately led them to the Mid-American Conference Championship. Buffalo finished their season with an overall record of 10-7-2 with a 4-2 tally in the MAC. The team is hoping for increased consistency, which will lead them back to the championship game.
"The road was tough, but I was very happy with the way we performed," said head coach John Astudillo. "We got increasingly better and better as the season went on."
Several players were nationally recognized for their individual accomplishments after last year's successful season. Six Bulls were named to both the All-MAC and All-Tournament Teams. Four of those players, junior forward Dan Bully, senior defenseman Dan Gwyther, junior midfielder Alex Marrello, and junior goalkeeper Robert Shuttleworth, are all expected to lead the Bulls through another productive season.
The Bulls focused their off-season on finding replacements for the three key players that graduated. Former players Dan Stevens, who was drafted 43rd in the Major Indoor Soccer League, Daniel Bell, and Dave Chojnowski all played major roles in the team's success last season. Even though Astudillo brought in eight newcomers to compete for the open spots, he is hoping to develop returning players on the roster rather than relying on an inexperienced bunch.
"Replacing that kind of talent is pretty tough. Luckily for us some of the returning talent has been cultivated so two out of the three open spots should be able to be filled by the talent we developed ourselves," Astudillo said.
A few players worth watching this season, according to Astudillo, are Bully, senior forward Lee Catchpole, and redshirt-freshman midfielder Justin Fredsell. Bully is coming off a phenomenal season in which he led the MAC in four statistical categories, including points and shots per game. He was named MAC player of the week twice during the 2007 season.
Catchpole, who has battled injuries during most of his career at Buffalo, looks to have a breakout season. He's excited to get back on the field and give the Bulls the extra lift they'll need to make it to the NCAA tournament.
Fredsell has yet to see the field for the Bulls, but has impressed Astudillo and is expected to contribute. He is ready to contribute on offense and could give the Bulls an additional scoring option.
Astudillo is excited about his team in general, but he's anticipating especially great performances from these three players.
"Dan Bully is an important factor in our offense. He shows up to play every day and in every game," he said. "I think it is important to state the fact that Lee Catchpole is back this year, and we are also expecting big things from Justin Fredsell."
The first stop on a trip back to the MAC finals takes place Friday against Bucknell at UB Stadium at 7 p.m. The Bisons (of Bucknell) are coming off a great recruiting year in which they were able to add many high school All-Americans to their roster. They provide a good measuring stick for the Bulls, who are trying to start the season off right.
"For me this season is going to be like a long quest to New York City," Astudillo said. "You must get on I-90 before you arrive in the city; we're not there yet, but we are ready for the trip... We've got gas in the tank."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
