2008 Men's Soccer Season Preview

Coming into the 2008 campaign, fifth-year head coach Brian Wall knew he would have some large shoes to fill after graduating a class of six special seniors who helped found the program in 2004. However, Wall and his coaching staff are confident that the combination of experienced veterans and eager newcomers will have what it takes to achieve the team’s ultimate goal of qualifying for the Capital Athletic Conference tournament.

“We have a very young squad and the coaching staff is very excited about the future,” said Wall. “We need to be patient with this group and realize that they are so young and they have so much potential.”

Wall and the Blazers will rely heavily on third-year starting goalkeeper and team co-captain Shawn Fernholz, who has logged over 97 percent of Hood’s minutes in the net since 2006. Fernholz set a program record with 121 saves last season and has started all 36 games in his Blazer career. “At times, Shawn is able to make game-changing saves and it gives our team the ability to compete in matches against teams that play at a higher level.” Reserve keeper Kyle Hodum is a capable backup to Fernholz who appeared in two matches last fall and logged 29 minutes in goal.

One of Hood’s most consistent performers over the past three years is midfielder and co-captain Brandon Garton. An extremely vocal leader on the pitch, Garton has appeared in 46 games in the blue and gray. “Brandon always works hard and this year we are looking for him to compete for us in the center midfield position.”

Junior Quinn Miller, who transferred to Hood from Goucher College prior to the 2007 season, is Hood’s top returning scorer. He registered four goals and four assists last fall and is a solid fundamental player. Other key returners on offense include senior Tom Sprague and juniors Carlin Rabie, Max Gebhart and Corey DeMaster.

“Most of the other positions are yet to be determined,” said Wall, who boasts 12 newcomers on his roster of 28. “With such a young group of players competing for us, only time will tell on who will win out positions.

“We have many players who are playing at the same level and, for the first time ever at Hood, we have true depth within our squad. This depth is making our training environment more competitive which, over time, will make our team compete at a higher level. I am very excited about the overall progress and our future. I feel we have a group of young players that are willing to work hard and learn how to play at the collegiate level.”

Wall is optimistic that the exuberance displayed by his squad in the early going will translate to the Blazers securing one of the elusive six playoff berths in the new conference tournament format. Wall has targeted four key league matches for his squad to focus on in order to clinch a spot in the postseason.

“Hopefully, at the end of October, all teams are playing regular season games for the hope of getting into the playoffs,” said Wall. “This creates excitement for players, coaches and fans and can be great exposure for the conference.”

Hood hosts four CAC tilts against Gallaudet University, Salisbury University, Stevenson University and York College (Pa.). Wall hopes that the Blazers will peak at the right time and be one of the six conference schools competing for an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament in November.

“We hope that our freshman class can be immediate contributors to our program,” said Wall. “If we are able to adjust quickly and learn to play as a unit I feel we will be a competitive team in the CAC.”