PIRATES AIMING FOR TOP OF CONFERENCE AS 2009 SEASON LOOMS

The excitement in the men’s soccer camp is palpable as Coach Don Gregory revs up for the 2009 season. The Pirates not only welcome new players, but also a new coach that will be sure to make a huge impact on this young, talented team.

Southwestern returns four seniors from a squad that ended tied for second place in the conference for the third year in a row with a 7-3 conference record. Captains David Lozano, Nathan Shaw-Meadow and Josh Spencer will lead the team and the attack for a team that scored 31 goals last season, fifth in the conference.

Lozano, a first team All-SCAC selection last year, was tied for second on the team for most points and shot percentage. Spencer was a second team All-SCAC pick and led the Pirates in points and goals for the 2008 season. Shaw-Meadow was second on the team in assists last year.

The challenge the Pirates face is in losing three year starting goal keeper Ryan Tasin to graduation. “Sophomore Nick Pierce will gain experience on the job this season,” states Coach Gregory.

Six starters return from last year and Coach Gregory will rely on a solid sophomore class to provide the depth needed to make a run for first place.

Additionally, SU welcomes a new assistant coach, Clint Schneider, to the team. Coach Schneider brings a wealth of knowledge as the goal keeper coach, an asset that will no doubt help the young keepers this season. A graduate from Midwestern State University, Coach Schneider was most recently on the coaching staff at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.

Southwestern opens the season on September 1st at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. The Pirates first home match is on September 4th as they face the University of Texas at Tyler in the SCAC/ASC Conference Challenge.