2007 Urbana University Men’s Soccer Outlook
The 2007 season marks one of change and new beginnings for the Urbana University men’s soccer program. Jeremy Parkins takes over as head coach of a Blue Knight men’s team that finished 11-7-0 last year. There are seven starters returning from last year’s squad, but all the positions are up for the taking.

“Based on the guys we have, from varsity to reserve, I am very pleased with what I have to work with just coming in,” said Parkins. “I expect us to be competitive in every match and we’ll progress as the season goes forward.

“The ultimate goal is to be a top the conference at the end of the season,” he added. “It’s going to be a progress and won’t happen overnight. My main concern is for the team to get better and all the pieces will fall into place with the team’s development.”

Senior Troy Smith ( Mansfield, Ohio) and juniors Kyle Bertz ( West Chester, Ohio) and Will Daniels ( Lake Orion, Mich.) will serve as captains for Coach Parkins. All three were starters on the Blue Knight defense that only allowed 24 goals last season.

“Captains are always held to a higher expectation. They are to provide the standard that the team will follow,” said Parkins. “The captains are especially crucial while I am getting acclimated to the program.”

FORWARD
The Blue Knights lose one of their most prolific scorers of all time. Josh Baskin closed out his four-year career with 44 goals, including 11 last season. Sophomore striker Jon Snyder ( Pataskala, Ohio) started on the other side of Baskin, ushering in a new era of the Blue Knight forward. He is Urbana’s leading returning scorer with nine of his shots finding the back of the net. Parkins sees freshmen Cody Meier ( Dublin, Ohio) and Jacob Flohre ( Huber Heights, Ohio) also fighting for time up top and making an impact in their rookie season.

“Jon has a very strong shot and he is capable of striking from long distances,” said Parkins. “He will be expected to take on even more of a scoring role this year.

“Knowing the amount of goals Baskin scored, someone will have to step up and fill that void,” added Parkins. “Jacob Flohre is very strong on the ball and I look for him to have an impact distributing and scoring.”

MIDFIELD
Parkins has a lot of depth in the midfield and they will be led by sophomore Joey Tensing (Cincinnati, Ohio) at center midfield. Sophomore AJ Grove (Pataskala, Ohio) and junior Jacob Partin (Hamilton, Ohio) return to the midfield after seeing major minutes last season. Partin started 16 games and saw action in all 18, while Grove played in 17 matches.

“Joey is going to carry the blunt of the midfield. He has a good pace, he’s creative, he’s quick on his feet, and has the ability to take on defenders,” said Parkins. “We can count on him to do a lot from center.

“AJ is a strong, hard-nosed player. He is not afraid to go into tackles and he wins a lot of 50-50 balls,” added Parkins. “Jacob is a quick player with such a high work rate. He doesn’t take time off on the field and is quick to transition.”

Parkins will also look to senior Eric Miller ( Grove City, Ohio) and freshman Andrew Vazquez ( Dayton, Ohio).

DEFENSE
The Blue Knights return two all-AMC performers and two seniors on defense. Junior captain and two-time all-conference selection Will Daniels, and junior captain and all-AMC selection Kyle Bertz will anchor the Urbana defense.

“Defense will win us games and knowing we have a potentially strong lineup is important,” said Parkins.

Seniors Troy Smith and Rick Schnipke ( Kalida, Ohio) and sophomore Adam Craddick ( Brookville, Ohio) will also play a huge part of the Blue Knight defense.

“It’s always nice to have a left-footed player like Troy on the team. He has an ability to play long balls and take free kicks,” said Parkins. “Rick always battles and will have an impact this season. As a coach you like him because of his great attitude as well. Adam is physically strong and has good size.”

GOALKEEPER
Senior Ryan Michaels ( Holland, Ohio) started eight games last season for the Blue Knights and posted a 1.85 GAA. Senior Derek Ballas ( Massillon, Ohio) played in one game last season, but shared time as Urbana’s starting keeper in 2005, posting three shutouts in his eight starts.

“These seniors are both fighting for the starting position,” said Parkins. “Ryan has good size and he is very athletic. Derek has good hands and is a very smart player.”

2007 SCHEDULE
The Blue Knights are coming off an 11-7 season in which they won eight consecutive games to start off the year. Urbana went on to lose the next four games by one goal, and lost two of its last five games by one goal.

“The American Mideast Conference is very strong in men’s soccer,” said Parkins. “ Rio Grande is always a contender and a top 10 team in the nation. Ohio Dominican is a very good team and Eric Nichols has done a great job getting that program where it is.”

The Blue Knights open at home with Point Park on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. The next four games will be on the road.

[Back to Urbana University Men's Soccer ]