The Justice

Media Credit: David Sheppard-Brick Noah Bass '12 played in the Alumni Game last Sunday during his first preseason with the Judges.

An early start to the preseason and a different approach may be exactly what the men's soccer team needs to get started on the right foot this season as it looks to rebound from last year's disappointing 8-9-3 record.

The Judges started training for the 2008 season a full two weeks before their Aug. 30 home opener against Endicott College, giving the team an extra week to prepare for the upcoming season. In years past, the University has only allowed for the team to begin practice around the same time as first-year orientation, but this year granted coach Michael Coven's Judges the opportunity to get on the field earlier.

"I think we'll be ahead of the game this year," Coven said. "We'll be better prepared just because we've been together longer. I'm pleased so far. The boys are working hard and are in good shape. There's a tremendous amount of enthusiasm."

Heading into last season, the Judges were looking to defend their 2006 Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship, but Brandeis fell to below .500 and went 0-6-1 in the University Athletic Association. Coming off a weaker 2007 season, Coven said the team is motivated to turn things around, led by senior captains Ben Premo '09, Adam Guttman '09 and Kevin Murphy '09.

"Our returning players are dedicated to having a wonderful year, and we're very strong in general," Coven said. "They've worked hard all year, and we have great captains and great leaders. I'm enthusiastic and optimistic."

A lack of proficiency on offense, particularly from all-UAA forward Ben Premo, contributed to last year's struggles. Premo led the team in scoring during its ECAC Championship run two seasons ago with 16 goals and 42 points but was hindered by an injured ankle and a weaker supporting cast last season, finishing with only two goals and nine total points.

"Individually I struggled a lot [last season]," Premo said. "The first couple games I wasn't really scoring at all, and it kind of got into my head and led to a rollercoaster of bad games, and I never really put it together."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools