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Men's Soccer
2008 Preview
The Warren Wilson College men’s soccer team and head coach Mike Kerr (8th season) are very excited about the prospects of this year’s team as they return fourteen players including nine starters from last year’s squad that finished 4-5-3. “We hope to be much improved with our balance of seasoned veterans and excitement of a very talented group of newcomers,” said Coach Kerr. “We are going to be a very fast team with excellent ball skills and footwork. I expect great things from this year’s team.”
The owls will kick off the 2008 season at home on Saturday, August 30 against Chowan University led by senior captains Luke Bernard (Nelson County, VA/Nelson County HS) and Kyle Carpenter (Hendersonville, NC/Hendersonville HS)). Bernard was named Honorable Mention All-American by the USCAA for his efforts during the 2007 season and led the Owls in total points (23) and goals (10) while also tallying 3 assists. His 23 total points ranked him 11th in the nation. Carpenter will anchor the midfield position returning for his second season as captain for the Owls. “These two young men have a done a great job of preparing our team for the upcoming season,” said Kerr. “Their attitude and leadership has been a pleasure to work with.”
The forward position for the Owls looks to be very strong as they have many interchangeable parts. Joining Bernard up front will be attacking junior midfielder Max Bressor (Richmond, VT/Mount Mansfield Union HS). “Luke and Max will be a strong combination up front,” said Kerr. “Overall, we will be very versatile leading to many different attacking options.”
The midfield will be controlled by Carpenter accompanied by juniors Ethan Frei (North Haven, CT/North Haven HS)) and Philip Campbell (Gainesville, FL/Gainesville HS). All three played significant roles from a year ago and look to provide a smooth transition from defense to offense. “Our midfield position is our engine room, they make everything happen,” said Kerr. “Led by Kyle, they are the hardest workers and are always looking to get better.”
The defense returns senior center back Graham Ballard (Seattle, WA/Seattle Academy) and senior defender Dan McKenzie (Morristown, NJ) who returns after a one year hiatus due to injury. The backfield will also sport an excellent group of talented young players who will be filling spots vacated by graduation.
Attached at the back end of the defense will be goalkeepers Brett Buffington (Cincinnati, OH/Parcel Marian HS) and Stephen Cavallo (Davidson, NC/East Lincoln HS). Buffington started last year and finished top ten in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) in saves (89, 8th) and goals against average (1.64, 9th). Cavallo had a terrific off-season and looks to see significant minutes. “Both Brett and Stephen are excellent goalkeepers,” said Kerr. “We’ve got a pleasant problem having two excellent choices at keeper.”
Head Coach Mike Kerr said, “This is going to be a fun team to watch, we’re defensively sound and creative in the attack. I believe we can compete for a bid to the USCAA National Tournament.”