(Lebanon, Ill., August 31) – The McKendree University men's soccer team begins its 2017 season campaign on Saturday, September 2 at 7 p.m. as the team hosts No. 11 Fort Hays State University.
Last season McKendree went 3-9-4 overall posting a 2-9-4 mark in the GLVC.
The 2017 season marks the first season that
Scott Gyllenborg will be at the helm of the Bearcats. McKendree wrapped up the 2017 preseason slate at 2-0-1 welcoming many new faces to the starting lineup.
Forwards
"We have a very balanced attack this season, with the potential to score goals from all over, said Gyllenborg." "Defensive players, especially our wingbacks have the ability to get forward and score in set pieces."
Forwards to Watch: Gonzalo Correa (Santiago, Chile/Athletic Study Center),
Fredrik Hansen (Oslo, Norway/Persbraaten Videregaaende Skole),
Blake Johnson (St. Louis, MO/Oakville Sr. ), and
James Stone (Eastbourne, England/Bede's Senior School)
Midfielders
"Our midfield is consistent and solid, said Gyllenborg. "Callum and Jared took majority of the minutes during preseason leading from the center of the field."
Midfielders to Watch: Callum Kiddell (Auckland, New Zealand/Mount Albert ),
Jared Hamann (Collinsville, IL/Collinsville ), and
Mac Thomalla (Reading, England/Football Academy Bisham)
Defenders
"Defensively the team has made a lot of strides, in any league not conceding goals and being defensively solid is a priority, said Gyllenborg." "With an entirely new backline from last fall we have a lot of experience and depth available."
Defenders to Watch: Javier Soto Neira (Santiago, Chile),
Ariel Cardozo (Ciudad del Este, Paraguay/Universidad San Carlos),
Luke Schlichting (Perryville, MO/Perryville High School), and
Matthew Moran (Perryville, MO/Perryville High School)
Goalkeepers
"We have a really deep group, said Gyllenborg." "
Daniel Brennan has done a great job coming in and integrating our goalkeepers into his system. Ian and Brett will contend for the starting position heading into the season."
Goalkeepers to Watch: Ian Bender (Edwardsville, IL/Scott Gallagher Academy) and
Brett Niedzwiecki (Collinsville, IL/Collinsville High School)
