Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Men's Soccer	SIUE Men's Soccer SIUE Athletics

Current Roster 2005 Schedule

August 18, 2005 Cougar Men’s Soccer Aims for More Wins          EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. -- With a No. 1 preseason national ranking, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s soccer coach Ed Huneke is excited about the prospects for the 2005 season, especially considering most of his team returns from a year ago.          The Cougars finished 19-3-2 last season, won the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season with a near-perfect 8-0-2 mark, claimed the GLVC’s postseason tournament, and advanced to the national title game only to come up one goal short of a gold trophy. In the history of Cougar soccer, it was the fourth time SIUE has advanced to the national championship game, having won in 1972 and 1979 and placing second in 1975 and 2004.          Huneke’s 2005 team has a solid mix of returners and newcomers. The Cougars can only hope the intangibles such as chemistry, team leadership, and a little luck play once again in their favor.          “We’ve always been a respected team, but now (with the No. 1 ranking) the target on our back will be bigger than ever,” said Huneke. “We’re going to have to deal with staying on top.”          With an offense which outscored its opponents 55-16 last season, surprisingly, there were no standout scorers. Eight different players scored game-winning goals, and junior midfielder Victor Pacheco (Sao Luis, Brazil) led the team with seven goals and 10 assists. Six other players finished with six goals each.          Among that group was junior Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.), who joined the team nine games into the 2004 season and quickly became the player other team’s either tried to mark or wanted to mark.          The SIUE front line of returners includes John Matthews (Edwardsville), Tim Collico (St. Louis), Ross Beveridge (Dunfermline, Scotland), and Adam Lanter (Edwardsville). The foursome accounted for 21 goals last season, including 10 game-winning goals.          “I certainly couldn’t predict who will be the leading scorer this season,” Huneke said. “Knowing we have 4-5 forward who can score, it makes us a real treat to watch.”          Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis) also returns for the Cougars. Currently 25th on the all-time scoring list with 15 goals and 20 assists, Cacciatore may be making a transition to another position. His speed and playmaking abilities may make him better suited to take on a new role.          Huneke also has a number of other options at forward with newcomer Ameen Attas (Saudi Arabia), a junior, Robert Ridder (Quincy), a freshman, and returning junior Chris Johnson (Springfield).          The midfield returns Brian Higgins (St. Louis), who has started 61 games as a Cougar and picked up 13 goals and 13 assists.          Mike Zaegel (St. Louis) started all 24 games last season. The junior’s only goal of the season was in an overtime victory over Northern Kentucky at home.          Matthew Siegel (Collinsville) returns for his senior season after playing in 14 games last season.          The Cougars also will throw newcomers Andrew Crider (Granite City) and Rob Minnis (Omaha, Neb.) into the fold.          While the offense has been strong, Huneke credits the defense with much of the team’s success. The Cougars may have lost All-American back Michael Burgund from last season’s 0.64 goals against average, but Huneke said the defense aims to maintain its status as top-notch.          It has been an “attractive formula for success,” noted Huneke, that while the offense has been scoring goals at a sharp pace the defense has been stingy.          “We’ve been preaching that defense is what wins championships,” Huneke said.          Junior back Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles, Mo.) and senior John Lamping (Barnhardt, Mo.) return as starters. They’ll be joined by sophomore Jon Barth (Greenville), Trevor House (St. Louis), and Afif Najjar (St. Charles, Mo.).          All three newcomers are transfers from Division I schools with Barth coming from Oakland (Mich.), House coming from Louisville, and Najjar hailing previously from Memphis.          SIUE returns three goalkeepers to the roster this season, all sophomores. Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles, Mo.) emerged as the team’s top gatekeeper last season with a team-leading 57 saves and a 0.73 goals against average. Greg Crook (Columbia) started seven contests and recorded a 0.41 goals against average. Pat Kelly (Florissant, Mo.) played in three games last season for a 0.88 goals against average.          The top-ranked Cougars open the regular season on August 25 on the road at Christian Brothers. Game time is 4 p.m.                   -siue cougars-