Aug. 25, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's men's soccer team will field one of its deepest squads in years in 2006, which should prove to be a key factor in helping the Hawks get back on the winning track.

SJU has an experienced group, and returns 10 starters from last season. More importantly, all 10 players who scored points in 2005 are back for the Hawks.

"Our depth will be a pleasant problem to have this season. It will increase the level of competition with more players challenging for playing time," said SJU coach Tom Turner, who is now in his 20th season and closing in on the school record for victories, needing nine to reach the mark. "Our ultimate goal will be to get back in the running for a spot in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.

Topping the list of returning players is last year's leading scorer Michael McInaw. McInaw had a stellar rookie season, being the lone Hawk to earn Philadelphia Soccer Seven All-Star honors. He tallied a team-best six goals on the year and SJU will be looking for him to duplicate or even increase those efforts in 2006.

Chris Powell, an assistant captain, will be another scoring threat for the Hawks. He sat out 2005, but was SJU's top scorer during 2004 with three goals.

The Hawks are also looking for big things from junior midfielder Patrick Duddy, who stood out in the preseason training. Although Duddy went without a goal last year, he had two assists, and possesses the potential to be one of the team's top scorers and playmakers. Craig Olsen, Tom Johnson and Andrew Tursi, who had four assists last season, will all contribute.

The defense looks to be the Hawks' strength with a core group of veterans leading the way. The backfield will be anchored by co-captain John Creed, Jim Slover, co-captain Joe Grayauskie and assistant captain Dean Niedosik. Creed is making a comeback from an ACL injury which sidelined him for half of the year. Slover missed some time during 2006 with an injury but was still the team's second leading scorer with five points.

Sophomore Joe Bodnar spent a year on the Hawks' developmental squad, but will compete for the starting goalkeeper's job with 6-3 sophomore Bryan Benedict. Junior Mike McBride adds depth to that spot.

SJU will welcome back redshirt junior Andrew Takats, who missed the entire 2005 season after suffering a severe fracture in his leg in the middle of the 2004 season. After surgery and an extensive rehabilitation, Takats' effectiveness remains to be seen, but his return will still be a boost to the Hawks.

Three scholastic standouts top the list of SJU newcomers. Jason Lewis was an All-State selection at Palmyra (NJ) High School, and set the school record with 77 career goals. Matteo Chiappini, an All-Area honoree from Great Valley High School, can help the Hawks in the midfield or attack. Travis Gast is a talented defender from Upper Dublin High School who could make an immediate impact.

Aside from a nine-game Atlantic 10 Conference schedule, the Hawks will face local rivals Villanova, La Salle, Temple and Philadelphia University in Philadelphia Soccer Seven play. The Hawks also have the advantage of two early home games as last season, Saint Joseph's did not play its first home match until October 22. In non-conference action, SJU will take on UMBC, Navy, Penn, Mt. St. Mary's and Princeton.