Last updated 8/24/00 - 3:00 PM ET
"We have the goals set high for this team," said Ofoje who has compiled a 19-56-6 record in four seasons at USCA. "Since the beginning of preseason, I have been surprised by the players' enthusiasm. This is the most motivated team I have coached."
Despite losing six of 11 starters, both goalies, and 10 of 20 letterwinners from last year's 7-12-1 squad, the meshing of old and new has gone extremely well. The Pacers return their top two scorers in All-Peach Belt Conference selection Mark Turner (5-7, JR, LaPorte, TX) and top goal scorer Richard Wolf (6-1, JR, Deer Park, TX) who combined for 39.6 percent of the Pacers' goals in 1999. But USCA's success in 2000 will largely hinge on the development and contribution of its 12 newcomers.
"As a young team, we may not match up well with our competition in terms of age, but I think our skill level is on par with a lot of the teams on our schedule," said Ofoje. "One of our goals is to finish above .500 and we think we can accomplish that feat." The only USCA Men's Soccer squad to finish the season above .500 since the Pacers joined the NCAA in 1990 was the 1994 team, which posted a 10-9 record.
Some nagging injuries in the preseason have presented minor problems, but nothing that worries Ofoje. "This is the best preseason I have ever had in terms of players' attitudes and team morale," said Ofoje.
So how does he expect the Pacers to do in the Peach Belt?
"I think there will be two runaway teams this year, but I figure us to finish in the middle of the pack," said Ofoje. "The Peach Belt is one of the roughest soccer conferences in the country, but that is a positive because it pushes our team that much harder to strive for success."
Following is a position-by-position breakdown of the 2000 USC Aiken team:
GOALKEEPERS
With the departure of senior David Walker and freshman Brian
Smoak, three freshmen will vie for time in net for the Pacers.
Jean-Pascal Bozso (5-9, FR, France), Peter Calabrese (6-4,
FR, Spring Hill, FL), and Larry Gates (6-5, FR, Orangeburg, SC)
will provide the Pacers with an array of different looks in goal.
"Each keeper has unique strengths that will help us out, so all three will see time in goal for us," said Ofoje. "Jean-Pascal is older and more experienced than the other two freshmen goalies, but Peter and Larry have better size."
DEFENSE
A blend of newcomers and veterans will make up the Pacer defense in
2000. Newcomers Terrance Charles (6-1, SO, Trinidad), Quincy
Cooper (5-10, JR, Pickering, Canada), Rey Hernandez (5-10, JR,
Deer Park, TX), and Neil Jackson (6-2, JR, Chapin, SC) will join
returners Art Blankenship (6-0, SR, LaPorte, TX) and Paul Bailey
(5-9, JR, Gauteng, South Africa) on the defensive half of the field.
Blankenship started 15 of 20 matches for the 1999 Pacers notching one goal in his only shot of the season. Bailey started 15 of 18 matches played. "I'm looking for Art and Paul to really step up and provide leadership to this group," said Ofoje.
Charles, Cooper, Hernandez, and Jackson will be looked to for solid play as well. "Terrance and Quincy will play a major role in the success of our defense," said Ofoje. "Rey and Neil will also see action as they both understand the system well."
MIDFIELD
A group of veterans will anchor the midfield for USCA, which
might prove to be the Pacers greatest strength. Turner, Paul
Okumu (5-10, JR, Uganda), and John Mulroy (5-11, JR, Miami,
FL) are familiar faces from last season.
Turner led the Pacers in assists (10) and points (28) while finishing second in goals (9). Okumu tallied two goals and three assists while Mulroy chipped in one assist in 16 matches. "These three returners are going to have to provide leadership to the whole team from their midfield positions," said Ofoje.
Newcomers Shawn Ord (5-11, FR, London, Canada), Greg Cook (5-11, FR, Hinesville, GA), and Adam Huff (5-9, SO, Lexington, KY) will also be expected to come in and contribute in their first season as a Pacer.
"Adam is a transfer who brings in some experience already," said Ofoje. "But we expect Greg and Shawn to pick up the system quickly and become major contributors during the season."
FORWARD
Wolf and Neil Stark (5-10, JR, Clay, NY) will be looked
upon to carry the offensive load for the 2000 Pacers. Wolf
led the team last season in goals (10) and shots (63) and finished second
in total points (24). "Richard has matured a lot since last
season," said Ofoje. "I expect he will be one of the key players
to be reckoned with in the Peach Belt this season."
Stark notched two goals and one assist in limited action last season. He appeared in only 13 matches due to injury.
Jose Navarro (5-10, SO, Johnston, SC) will also give Wolf and Stark some support at the forward position.
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