OKLAHOMA CITY – In 2016, two-thirds of the Mid-America Christian University men's soccer team hailed from the state of Oklahoma. Entering the 2017 campaign, that number is significantly lower, as head coaches Zach Bice and Evan Dresel have focused on bring in as much talent as possible from around the globe.
"We look great on paper," noted Dresel, "and it has already impacted in training in a positive way. It's hard to say how quickly it will impact the season because we will need games to gel with all of the new players in the side. If we do come together quickly it could be a great season."
The 2017 squad has a bevy of new faces, from a wide range of places. The Evangels have players coming into the fold from France, Germany, England, Australia, and Argentina, among numerous other places. With so many new faces in the lineup, there will be many newcomers who will be called on to make an immediate impact on the Evangels success from the opening kick-off of the season.
Dresel continued, "We wanted to add depth at all positions but especially in the back and I think we have done that. We feel that we are strong at every position and will not lose much when we sub. If we can stay healthy we should be a very deep team this season."
One of the areas MACU struggled in 2016 was in producing offense. The Evangels had 11 different players tally at least one goal last season, however, only two players accounted for more than two goals, and the team only netted 21 tallies on the season. MACU also allowed 43 goals in 2016, and the coaches addressed both of those numbers in how they built their 2017 roster.
"There are too many [newcomers] to name them all, but a few off the top of my head would be Dominik Tajak at striker and Djibril Fofana at center back," Dresel said. "Both guys are very imposing physically and great technically. Dominik could have a big season as far as scoring goals and Djibril looks to be a force in the back.
"A few of our key returners would be Andy Ochoa and Brad Bennions," he continued. "Both were key players for us last season and look to be on track to do that again this season. Both are very dynamic players. Also, we return a seasoned veteran in goal with Jakob O'Meara-Gill."
One of the challenges that can arise with the variety of international backgrounds that the Evangels have is that the game is played with different styles in different countries, but Dresel and Bice think the styles will blend together well once the guys begin to get more comfortable with each other between the lines.
"Each culture has its own distinct style," Dresel explained. "We have always felt the best teams have a good mix of not only international players but also Americans. The cultural differences don't really worry us as much as so many new players trying to get to know each other. We always say that soccer is a language that connects the world so once we are on the field the guys will be fine."
The Evangels were picked seventh in the Sooner Athletic Conference poll, accumulating 52 points in the vote of the coaches prior to the campaign. John Brown University (105 pts.) is picked to win the SAC, narrowly edging out Wayland Baptist University (103 pts.) in the vote. The University of Science and Arts (USAO; 87 pts.) was picked third, followed by Oklahoma City University (81 pts.) and Southwestern Christian University (80 pts.) in the top five. Texas Wesleyan University (58 pts.) finished sixth, Southwestern Assemblies of God University (45 pts.) slotted in eighth, Bacone College (42 pts.) came in ninth, and Central Christian College (35 pts.) and St. Gregory's University rounded out the SAC preseason poll.
"The conference looks strong this year," remarked Dresel. "Every team will be good, so it's just about who is on their game any given day. The team that can consistently play at a high level will do well in the conference. Our expectation is that we train hard every day and carry that into the games. If we consistently play to our potential we will have a great season."
The Evangels' season opens on August 30 at home when MACU welcomes Harris-Stowe State University to Oklahoma City for a 3 p.m. kickoff. The Evangels also take on the University of Houston-Victoria and Sterling College at home in the non-conference portion of their schedule before opening SAC play on September 26 at Wayland Baptist. The SAC home schedule starts on October 3 when St. Gregory's comes to MACU, and the Evangels also face Bacone, SAGU, USAO, and Texas Wesleyan at home this season.
When asked how the coaches felt about the 2017 season, Dresel replied, "Saying we are excited is an understatement. Not only are we more talented than we have been in the past, but the feeling in the team is that we are out to prove something. If everything comes together I think we will."
