Northwestern University Athletics
1998 Wildcat Men's Soccer Outlook
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
July 31, 1998
The combination of a strong group of returning starters and a top recruiting class promises to take the Northwestern men's soccer team to new heights this year.
Last season's 8-10-1 record was the teams best since 1990, but head coach Michael Kunert, now in his 17th year at the helm of the Wildcat program, thinks the squad can improve.
"I think we'll have a better record simply because our defense is better," Kunert said. "I expect this team will have a really great year and things will come together."
Defense should be the strength of this year's team. Returning sweeper Dan Merz, who started 13 games last year, will anchor the defense next to stopper Brandon Swalve and Aaron Stolberg, both of whom played in two conference games last season. Depth is also a positive, having more players with experience this season such as Peden Young and Nick Spoerke.
"We're going to be very solid on defense," said Kunert. "Not just the core, but we have a really good supporting cast in case of injuries. Young and Spoerke are guys who can step in and help out immediately. That is probably the strongest aspect of our team."
The 'Cats return their third-leading scorer from a year ago in center forward David Mooradian. Mooradian will be counted on to be a leading scorer for the team following the loss of All-Big Ten performer Andy McDermott, who led the team last year with seven goals. Kunert is optimistic about having Mooradian as a team leader.
"David really shows everybody else how it needs to get done," said Kunert. "If he can return to the form he was in, our forward line is going to be very, very good. If our halfbacks can come together to support our forwards, we could have an outstanding team."
Sophomores Jun Kim, who played in 19 games, and Jon Cantwell, who played in 18 contests are expected to be the team's other experienced forwards.
"Kim is developing as a super forward and Cantwell is playing really well," Kunert said.
Freshman Louis Litrenta is also expected to contribute to the Wildcat front line. Litrenta scored five goals in three games in the Illinois high school state tournament, including the game-winning goal in the championship game.
Kunert also expects the other freshmen to play well. Center midfielders Justin Castillo and Grant Trimble will be looked to fill the void left by McDermott and to play solid in the offensive midfield position. Michigan all-state defender Daniel Doman is skilled enough to be the stopper or sweeper of the future, and outside midfielder Brice Blatz will also be expected to contribute valuable minutes.
Another key factor in the 'Cats success will be goalkeeping. Starting junior goalie Matt Keeler allowed an average of only 1.10 goals per game last season, playing 1,221 minutes and making 77 saves. Backing him up will be sophomore Chris Berlin.
"When you assert yourself as much as Matt does, you have the possibility of getting injured," said Kunert. "If that happens, we're going with Chris Berlin who is a solid keeper. He will be able to step in and take over the game if Matt gets hurt."
This season's home schedule comprises 10 games, including in-state rival Northern Illinois and Big Ten opponents Ohio State and Penn State, followed by the Big Ten Tournament at Lakeside Field.
"I think its great to have the tournament here," said Kunert. "It gives great recognition to our program, and puts college soccer on the map as far as Chicago is concerned."
"This is the year where things should happen," said Kunert. "We have a lot of players that are very talented and we hope to be very competitive in the conference."
