ROCK HILL, SC—After back-to-back subpar seasons, the Winthrop men's soccer team is ready to work its way back as one of the Big South Conference's elite programs as it opens the 2012 season Friday evening against Brevard College. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. at Eagle Field.
Winthrop endured two straight seasons under .500 after capturing back-to-back conference championships and is looking to return as one of the league favorites to capture a title in 2012.
Head coach
Rich Posipanko and his assistants have made several changes to the squad over the past two seasons, but believe this last overhaul has led to putting together a strong squad for more than just the upcoming season.
The team features 11 new faces from a year ago, many of which are likely to contribute heavily this season.
The Eagles return six starters from a year ago and mixed with the new additions seem to be heading in the right direction after their performance in the preseason matches against defending national champion North Carolina (lost 1-0) and UNC Greensboro (tied 1-1).
Senior
Daniel Di Biagio is a three-year starter that highlights a few returning starters that figure to contribute this season. Di Biagio battled injuries last season and with the addition of a few defenders added to the roster this season, could be moved to outside back. That would allow Di Biagio, who scored three goals as a freshman, to get forward a little more often. Junior
Nick Kowalski should find himself in the starting line-up this year whether it be in the midfield or in the back where he started the preseason games. Senior
Tomas Brennan also returns and adds to the experience in the back line.
The majority of Winthrop's makeover from the last two seasons has been in the midfield and up top. In the first two preseason games, freshman
Magnus Thorsson along with juniors
Adam Brundle and
Adriano Negri starting in the center and freshman
Patrick Barnes and senior
Alex Isern starting outside. Freshman
Tobi Abel has gotten the majority of the work up top and started by preseason matches.
The Eagles showed progression from the North Carolina game to the match with UNCG and hope that carries over to Friday. Winthrop managed just 19 goals in 2011 and 20 in 2010 after scoring 43 in 2009.
The Eagles face a Brevard College team that was 3-13-1 last year, but the season opener against Brevard in 2011 was a close one. Isern netted a late goal to secure a 2-0 win for the Eagles.
The Tornados only return four starters from a year ago, which includes goalie Pauli Jussila. Defenders Garrett Stone and Alec Darcey also return as well as forward Jami Uuttu.
Winthrop has won five straight home openers and is 4-2 in its last six season openers.
Three Eagles To Watch:
Tom Banfield (R-Jr., GK): Banfield has started both preseason games after seeing action in just one game in 2011. He seems to have solidified the starting spot but has strong competition behind him in senior's
Enrique Miranda and
Patrick Walsh (Both saw action in several games last season).
Alex Isern (Sr., MF): The seasoned veteran was forced into a center back role in 2011 with the Eagles lacking experience. This year the team has plenty of strong candidates to take that role which means Isern gets back to his normal role of roaming the midfield and creating scoring opportunities. Isern scored the only goal of the preseason for the Eagles. His presence going forward should improve the offense instantly.
Kyle Kennedy (Fr., D): Saw first action in second game of preseason and looked solid. For his size, has good pace and seemed very comfortable. Should give Winthrop a strong presence in the back.
