Men’s soccer looks to make leap in 2011

Cornell men's soccer coach Andres Leza believes the Rams are ready to take significant strides forward this fall in his second season at the helm.

The Rams will build around 15 returning lettermen, including a starting lineup that is virtually back intact. Leza added depth to the team with 11 freshmen, building his roster size to 32.

"We are still a very young team with only one senior in the starting 11," said Leza, whose team looks primed to rebound from an 0-17-1 finish last fall. "However, we have added some much-needed depth and speed of play to some key positions in the midfield and defense. I feel we will be competitive in every conference game, and without a doubt will be battling for a spot in the conference tournament and hopefully get an upset or two along the way."

Cornell opens the new campaign Thursday, Sept. 1 with a 5:15 p.m. nonconference kickoff at Grinnell. The Rams play Illinois College Saturday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. in the home opener.

Cornell brings back 10 starters from a squad that relied heavily on young players to contribute a year ago. Heading the group is junior forward Alex Beehler, a two-time honorable mention all-Iowa Conference selection. Beehler posted team-highs with five points, two goals and an assist in 2010.

Joining Beehler at a forward spot is three-year letterwinner Julian Peota, one of only two seniors on the team. Peota started all 18 matches in 2010, collecting one goal and an assist. Junior Andy Harter makes the move to forward after starting 13 matches at midfield a year ago. Sophomores Casey Gilbert and Luke Farley are returning starters in the midfield.

"Added depth will allow us to move several key returners back into their natural positions and will make us a more dangerous team on the attack," Leza said. "Those players include Julian Peota, Alex Beehler and Casey Gilbert."

The team has five returning starters on the backline in junior defenders Zach Baker, Alec Solano and Eric Doernhoefer, sophomore defender Heath Brandner and sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Setser. Setser ranked second in the conference last year in total saves (94) and saves per match (7.83). He played 12 matches at keeper, starting eight.

Other letterwinners returning are juniors Mack Urbanowicz (D/MF), Bear Jacobsen (D/MF), Kaji LongSherpa (MF) and Ben Folan (GK) and sophomore Cody Perreault (F).

"Along with the returners, we will have several new freshmen that will compete for playing time," Leza said. "All 11 members of the incoming class will be pushing their fellow returners for playing time. I am very excited for this group of guys. They have a lot of energy, passion and talent, which we hope will translate into a record-breaking season for the Cornell men's soccer program."