Head coach Chris Bolton welcomes 15 newcomers to the NCU fold this fall.
EUGENE, Ore. – For the NCU men's soccer program and head coach Chris Bolton two things are certain, a renewed commitment to on-field success and a drive to develop a new movement of leadership and academic excellence. The Beacons roster is comprised of ten athletes that have played at the collegiate level, however only six players in that group carry more than a year of playing at the next level. Overall Bolton will welcome 15 new players in the fold, and over the course of the next two weeks they'll be expected to practice and perform on a rapid learning curve.
"We want our kids to come out and have fun, and not be concerned with making mistakes in the beginning," said Bolton. "In the same respect we want to play technically sound fundamental soccer. I want these athletes to enjoy playing soccer and remember the elements of the game that we all enjoy as individuals."
Junior forward Greg Erickson returns to the 2008 squad, as the most decorated athlete at Bolton's disposal. Erickson led the Beacons in scoring a year ago and was a second-team All Cascade Collegiate Conference selection. Defensive leader and net minder Cuyler Zeigler was third in the NAIA a year ago in saves per game. He will be called upon for another strong season while Bolton seeks to reduce the number of shots Zeigler is forced to turn away.
"Our offseason workouts have allowed our team to bond as a unit, and renew our team resolve to sacrifice personal achievements for the greater good of the team. The team goals for the 2008 season are to finish in the top three of the Southern Division, in order to reach the first round of the CCC playoffs."
The non-conference season begins two weeks from Saturday, on the road in Klamath Falls at the Oregon Tech Classic, a Saturday matchup with Simpson University and a Sunday afternoon contest against Menlo College. NCU opens up the CCC schedule on the road at conference rival Corban College on Friday September 12th. The home debut of the schedule is slated for Tuesday September 15th, as the Beacons play host to Walla Walla University with a 7:00 pm kickoff.
Bolton singled out freshman defender Alex Crossingham as one of the more athletically gifted players in the 2008 recruiting class, and argued that the Sandpoint, Idaho, graduate might develop into the most prominent soccer player to play in school history. NCU will also benefit from veteran leadership on the field, as junior midfielder Shane Dasher joins the roster to provide not only veteran experience and playing ability but Dasher also is a nationally licensed NSCAA coach.
"The question remaining for me is how many of our younger players will be able to transfer their practice experience into our competitive game situations against the extremely difficult and demanding opponents within the Cascade Conference."
Time is on the side on the Beacons in preparation for the upcoming season, as the youth of the program begins to lean of the experience of Bolton's coaching staff and the veteran leadership on the playing field.