A fast start to a season is what any team can hope for. The last four games of a season that the 2006-'07 Badgers men's soccer team had last year is a team's worst nightmare. A 9-4-1 start to last season's campaign had the Badgers thinking about an NCAA Tournament bid. Their 0-4 finish had them thinking about next year, and for graduating seniors, NCAA Tournament dreams were dashed for
good. The disappointing end to last season seems to be long forgotten as the Badgers are looking ahead with one main goal in mind.
As a team, I would like to make the NCAA Tournament and win the Big 10 Tournament, but at least make the NCAA Tournament; that has to be there, that is a must,"" junior forward Victor Diaz said. ""I worry more about the team goals, and making the NCAA Tournament. We finished second in the Big 10 last year, so we have extra motivation this season.""
The Badgers lost eight seniors from last season, including two extremely important pieces in defender Aaron Hohlbein and goalkeeper Jake Settle. These two seniors provided experience and leadership that the Badgers are still looking for as the season begins.
""All our seniors, as well as our juniors, are going to have to step up and be the leaders of this team,"" head coach Jeff Rohrman said. ""I think we have a good group of 13 juniors and seniors, and as we have impressed upon them during preseason, they are going to be the ones to lead us through the next three to four months. We have a great core of older guys and we are going to lean on them a lot throughout the year.""
One area that will definitely be relied upon this season is the defense, as it tries to build chemistry with two new players along the back, including sophomore Scott Lorenz. The converted midfielder is still getting acquainted with his new defensive role.
""It's a new position, and there are definitely shoes to fill from Aaron Hohlbein,"" Lorenz said. ""But that gives us motivation to strive and get to that next level because he's gone, and there is no true centerback, no real leader, so we all need to step up and incorporate that into our game.""
The season looks bright though, as the team has been working hard, and getting through the losses of last season. Room for improvement is there, but should come as the season progresses.
The Badgers faced their first two tests of the season last weekend losing to Tulsa 3-1, but rebounding two days later to defeat Western Michigan 1-0.
""We are coming along,"" sophomore goalkeeper Alex Horwath said. ""We have regained focus. Practice intensity has been good, and I think our focus is where it needs to be, so we will see how it goes from there.""
