Northwestern University Athletics
NU Closes Spring With Six-Match Unbeaten Streak
5/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
May 7, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - If this spring is any indication of the improvement the men's soccer team, then the fall should be an exciting time for the program. NU finished with a 5-2-1 record, including a six-match unbeaten streak to close out the spring.
After falling to Lewis and Marquette to open, NU posted its first win, taking a 4-1 decision against Wisconsin-Whitewater at the Marquette Play Day. Alexander Renzi (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams) and Kevin Earnest (Lemont, Ill./Lemont) gave the 'Cats all the offense they would need. Matt Miclea (Lake Villa, Ill./Antioch Community) and Jeremy Cook (Hudson, Wis./Hudson) added a goal each for insurance-and the Wildcats were just getting started.
"We started a little slow," said NU head coach Tim Lenahan. "We had a three-week layoff after the winter with reading week, final exams and spring break. It took us some time to get going, but once we did we played really well."
NU's next roadtrip came at national powerhouse Bradley. The Wildcats dropped a 3-0 decision to the Braves in 2002, but rebounded with a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Brian Heckenbach (Algonquin, Ill./Jacobs), who played every minute in the spring and recorded a 1.05 goals-against average, had a strong outing and Renzi put in the game-tying goal.
The Wildcats' last road stop took them to Cincinnati for the Blue Chip Classic Showcase. NU downed host Cincinnati, 1-0, with Jaro Pylypczak (Lombard, Ill./Benet Academy), a defender, tallying the game-winning goal.
"Jaro (Pylypczak) was a rock in the back," Lenahan said. "He was outstanding against Cincinnati and he scored the gamewinner. Brian (Heckenbach) was really solid all spring. He made a few mistakes on set pieces, but he also made some tremendous saves."
NU showcased its talent to the home fans when it welcomed the University of Chicago and F.C. Sockers Chicago to Evanston on April 30. The 'Cats controlled both contests, handing the Maroons a 3-0 loss and the Sockers a 4-3 loss. The home turf was especially friendly for Eric Brin (Westlake, Calif./Westlake), who scored twice in each contest.
NU wrapped up the spring with a 4-0 win in the Alumni Game. Brin ended the spring with a team-high five goals. Earnest also netted four goals and Renzi three.
"All three guys made great strides," Lenahan said. "I think Eric Brin made the biggest strides. Kevin Earnest has the ability to make big plays and he did that, and the fact that Alexander Renzi scored three goals showed me he's willing to get in the box and help our attack."
NU's defense continued its improvement from 2002, allowing just seven goals--the NU offense, however, netted 17 goals.
"We attacked some more," Lenahan said. "That takes some time to develop. Ten of our 11 starters were freshmen. When you attack you leave yourself a little open, and at times I thought we were a little complacent on defense."
Cook continued his maturation into one of the team's best players. A former walk-on who was voted the team's most improved player last season, he made similar strides this spring.
"Jeremy Cook has become a great player," Lenahan said. "He's a legitimate All-Big Ten candidate. For the college game, he's playing at a very high level and becoming a forceful presence."
The Wildcats fell to Lewis and Marquette in their first two matches. Going into the Lewis game, the talk centered around Tito Lara, a former NU player. After leading the Wildcats with five game-winning goals in 2002, Lara transferred to Lewis in the winter. Sure enough, it was Lara who netted the game-winner for the Flyers.
"Tito is really happy at Lewis," Lenahan said. "Brian (Heckenbach) made a great save and Tito finished the rebound. He played well and we were a bit sluggish.
"We still have a long way to go. In terms of growing and getting more cohesive, that certainly did happen. The freshmen are no longer freshmen, and we hope they set the mark for the new guys that are coming in this fall."
