Aug. 20, 2009

8.20.09 - The 2009 soccer season looks promising for the Mid-America Christian University Evangels. Coach Zach Bice is returning 17 players from the 2008 NCCAA Central Region Championship team along with welcoming a solid recruiting class.

"We hope to build on the success we had last year," head soccer coach Zach Bice said. "We won our first NCCAA Division I Regional title last season and we hope that this year we turn the corner. We want to not only be competitive in the conference but also be in the mix among the Sooner Athletic Conference elite. We have brought in an experienced recruiting class this season; we hope to see them make immediate contributions to our squad."

Among the newcomers is Garrett Dresel who comes to MACU from West Point Military Academy. The explosive forward spent three seasons at West Point. "Garrett is a great goal scorer," Bice said. "He brings leadership to the field."

The Evangels will also add their first international player, Andrew Webster of Liverpool, England. He will be anchoring the MACU defense. "Andrew is a great addition to our back line," Bice said. "He is a strong, physical and smart player who brings a different style of play to the pitch."

What was a young team, full of rookies, just one year ago is now lead by a group of veteran seniors. This team has a group of upper classmen that Coach Bice expects a lot from in the leadership department. "We have a group of seniors who have been here for three years and I expect them to lead the team this season. Bryce Jantz, Kit Stephens, Clint Paxson, Joey Yeisley, Matt Ross and Kyle Miller are all season veterans who are all vital to our success."

Bryce Jantz is back for his senior season to lead the MACU attack. Jantz led the team in scoring in 2008 with 12 goals. "Bryce always works hard," Bice said. "I hope to see him and Garrett become our offensive core; I think they can become a dynamic duo."

Martin Maese is returning in the midfield with a year of experience under his belt. As a freshman he started in 21 games scoring three goals and dishing out three assists. "I expect Martin to have a break out year," Bice said. "He is a talented player with the ability to link our offense and defense." Kyle Pezant will also be returning in the midfield. He started in 21 games as a sophomore, scoring four goals along with giving three assists. "Kyle gives us a great offensive weapon from the left side of the field," Bice said.

The MACU defense has new additions to their back line that will add depth and solidify the defense. John Gonsalves returns for his sophomore season healthy after having knee surgery last fall. "It will be good to have John back in the line-up healthy and more experienced," Bice said. "I'm excited about how much better we will be this year in the back. We have a lot more options than we have had before. Our defense is more experienced and has more depth than we have had in previous years."

At goalkeeper, MACU returns Junior Austin Custar and Sophomore Gustavo Rodriguez, in addition to bringing in newcomer Zane Bourne (Durant, OK/ Durant HS). "It will be nice to have depth and stability at the goalkeeper position this season," Bice said.

The Evangels kick off their season at home on Saturday, August 29th at 3 p.m. against LSU- Shreveport. MACU will play seven non-conference games before they open Sooner Athletic Conference play on the road October 2nd against University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. "We play in a tough conference but I like the challenges in presents," Bice said.