Williams Men's Soccer Season Outlook
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams head coach Mike Russo (390-97-51, .774) entered his 33rd season at the helm of the Ephs greeting 31 candidates trying to secure a spot on an Eph roster that lost nine players to graduation.Among the key losses to graduation were All-Americans Joe Vella (back) and Charles Romero (forward). Six of the nine graduated players were starters in 2010.
Four of the top five Eph goal scorers from a year ago are gone and the top three goal scorers returning – Matt Ratajczak, Patrick Ebobisse, and User Kushaina each netted a pair of goals. All told, 27 of the 34 goals scored last fall have left the Eph campus.
Last fall the Ephs went to overtime eight times in 17 contests and won six. Seven of their 12 Williams wins (12-3-2) came by one goal.
The 2011 Ephs will hope to continue their remarkable success under Russo this fall with a strong focus on defense, while hoping to create an opportunistic offensive attack.
 Matt Ratajczak |
Despite the Ephs creating numerous scoring opportunities, Babson prevailed 2-1, scoring the winning goal in overtime with 1 min. 26 seconds left, ending the 2010 season.
Using the Babson match as motivation, the returning Eph players worked very hard in the offseason months, and hopefully those efforts will be rewarded this season. The Eph coaching staff is optimistic about this year's team as competition for starting positions will be fierce.
The defense will be led by last year's starting goalkeeper, sophomore Peter Morrell, who will be ably challenged by junior, Than Finan, whose performance last year was hampered by injuries.
Morrell appeared in 14 games, starting 13, and compiled a record of 8-2. In 1,181.50 minutes Morrell stopped 75 of 106 shots (.721) and notched 5 shutouts.
Finan's sophomore season was limited to just 18 minutes of action in goal, but as a first year he came up big
 Phil Vestergaard |
"Both Peter and Than possess athleticism, are very good shot stoppers, and can distribute the ball as well as any goalkeepers in the region," Russo noted. "The competition for the starting position should be keen."
Junior co-captain, Matt Ratajczak, senior Phil Vestergaard, and junior Doug Weinrib will anchor the Eph backline. A potential starter, Andrew Trainor has opted to take a year off from school so sophomores Josh Miller-Louis, Ralston Louie, and Conor Mercadante and first year Andres Burbank–Crump will compete for the left back position.
The tall and talented Ratajczak netted two goals (one game-winner) and assisted on one last fall on his way to NSCAA All-Region honors. Though a standout defender, Ratjczak has good field vision and ball skills that make him a threat in the offensive third of the field.
Vestergaard is a battle-tested veteran and will start in the back for the third straight year. He has started 42 of 49 contests he has played for the Ephs.
Weinrib saw action in 13 games last fall, while Miller-Louis appeared in eight.
"Matt Ratajczak and Phil Vestergaard will be expected to replace the leadership and aerial prowess of All-American, Joe Vella, who was lost to graduation," said Russo. "Ratajczak is not only very good defensively but also possesses excellent skill on the ball and vision,
Vestergaard has played extensively as a wide back but may be moved to a central defensive position this fall."
 Nick Pugliese |
Pugliese, Christman, and Kennedy all appeared in all 17 games last fall with Pugliese tops in starts with 12. Pugliese netted one goal on the year (a game-winner), while Christman ended up second on the Ephs in assists with four. Cadet registered one assist in 2010 and will look to up his total of appearances this fall from eight a year ago.
"Nick Pugliese will be called on to lead the midfield contingent," Russo pointed out. "Nick has always been a high-work ethic player but last year he improved his ability on the ball as well. Pete Christman will be counted on to provide some scoring punch from his midfield position."
A major challenge for the 2011 Ephs will be replacing their three leading goal scorers from last fall. Senior Dan Morrisroe will compete with sophomores Dan Lima and Matt Kastner for the central striker position.
In 2010, Williams out scored their opponents by a 34-15 margin, allowing less than one goal a game. This fall, the Eph defense might have to be even stingier until the Williams attack gets a chance to get in rhythm.
Morrisroe and Kastner each tallied one goal and one assist in 2010, while Lima, a converted defender recorded one assist and played in all 17 contests. Morrisroe appeared in eight contests last season, while Kastner played in five games. Kastner was the starting 2B for the Eph baseball team last spring so his confidence should be high entering this fall.
Junior Patrick Ebobisse leads a group of talented wide players including dynamic sophomore User Kushaina,
 User Kushaina |
"Patrick Ebobisse and User Kushaina both have the 1v1 ability to turn the corner of defenses and play in accurate crosses," stated Russo. "Dan Morrisroe, Dan Lima, and Matt Kastner will be the players to convert those crosses into goals."
The coaching staff is eager to begin the 2011 campaign, and they know that certain players will have to raise their level if the Ephs are going to be in contention for a postseason berth.
The schedule as always will be one of the most difficult in the region. A very good Hamilton team has joined the NESCAC league schedule this fall. One of the nation's strongest and deepest leagues, NESCAC has sent four different teams to the last four Final Fours.
The Ephs open their 2011 season with a NESCAC match on Saturday, Sept. 10, in Lewiston, Maine vs. Bates.
