By Tim Baysinger
The CAA is expected to be very competitive again this season, having had four teams advance to the NCAA College Cup last season.
Towson Tigers
The defending regular season champions enjoyed a successful campaign last year posting its best record in school history; highest national ranking in school history at #15, advancing to the third round of the NCAA College Cup, and having Head Coach Frank Olszewski named CAA Coach of the Year. Olszewski was also rewarded with a three year contract extension this off-season. This year his squad will welcomes seven new recruits, including two from outside North America, to try to replace All-CAA First Team and lead goal scorer Sebastian Haensel and standout defenseman Nigel Marples. The Tigers’ season kicks off at home against Mount St. Mary’s on Sept. 1.
Hofstra Pride
The defending CAA tournament champions enjoyed another successful season last year, advancing to the 2nd round of the NCAA College Cup before being defeated by Wake Forest. This season the Pride welcomes three new recruits, who all are from the long island area. The Pride will be hard pressed to find replacements for the program’s first ever Division 1 All-American and leading goal scorer Michael Todd, and stellar defenseman Gary Flood. The Pride’s season starts with a road contest at Oakland University on Aug. 31.
Old Dominion Monarchs
ODU had their most successful trip in the NCAA College Cup last season. The Monarchs advanced all the way to the round of 16 before losing to eventual champion UC-Santa Barbara. Head Coach Allen Dawson was rewarded with a five year contract extension in the off-season. The Monarchs will welcome three new players this season to help replace the six players who graduated including All-CAA, All-America, All-Regional and Old Dominion Male Athlete of the Year Edson Elcock, and assist leader Jared Kent. The Monarchs season kicks off against Wake Forest in the Carolina Nike Classic on Aug. 31.
George Mason Patriots
The Patriots had a positive 2006, being the conference’s fourth team to advance to the NCAA College Cup. It was short-lived however, as the Patriots lost in the first round to Bucknell. This season the Patriots welcome five new players, including Fro Adu, brother of former MLS star Freddy Adu. In addition to the new recruits, the Patriots return all their key players from last season, including CAA Rookie of the Year Sean Kelley and All-Rookie First Team Richard Edgar. The Patriots begin their season against Howard University in the D.C. College Cup on Aug. 31.
Northeastern Huskies
Northeastern finished last season strong; winning their final six conference games, before losing in the first round of the CAA Tournament to George Mason. This season the Huskies reload with eight new recruits along with returning players Grek Kilkenny, Alexander Volk, and Lars Okland. The Huskies will use these players to replace the losses of Daryl Brack and Matt Handy. Northeastern begins their season Sept. 1s at Quinnipiac University.
UNC-Wilmington Seahawks
The new-look Seahawks enter the 2007 season with an entire new squad. The Seahawks will welcome ten new recruits to replace the nine players that graduated. All-CAA Goalkeeper and school record holder for shutouts Brad Knighton, and the top two goal scorers from last season Chris Murray and Rick Henderson will all need to be replaced.
James Madison Dukes
After starting 9-0, the Dukes finished last season going winless in their final eight games. The Dukes will also have to look for replacements for All-CAA and leading goal and points scorer Kurt Morsink, 2nd leading goal scorer Mark Totten, Mike Tuddenham who was tied for 3rd in goals, and goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.
William & Mary Tribe
W&M will welcome seven new recruits to the team this season. This new players will be expected to help fill the void left by Pat Scherder, the teams second leading goal, assist, and point scorer. The Tribe will be aided by the return leading goal scorer Andrew Hoxie and goalkeeper Brennan Wergley.
Delaware Blue Hens
Delaware enters the season with nine new players, along with the return of their leading goal scorer Sobhan Tadjalli. The Blue Hens however, will need to find replacements for Anthony Talarico who was 2nd in goals and points, defenseman Anthony Pezza, and ESPN/CoSIDA All-District and CAA Scholar Athlete of the Year Matt Haney.
Virginia Commonwealth Rams
VCU suffered a disappointing campaign last year, recording only two conference victories and four overall. The Rams also lost assist leader and 2nd in points Thomas Weingartner. Returning for the 2007 season are leading goal scorers Matthijs Maruanaya and Patt Viray. The Rams season begins with a game against Virginia Tech in the Nike/Alltel Classic.
Drexel Dragons
The Dragons will enter the season with five new players and all but two from last year’s squad. Assist leader Dominick Balsamo is gone but returning are leading goal scorer Fabio Assumpcao and 3rd in points/goals Mike Crosse.
Georgia State Panthers
GSU enters the season hoping to wash away the disappointment of only winning one game last year. Along with the recruiting of two new players, and the opening of a brand new soccer field, the Panthers also return their 2nd and 3rd leading goal scorers Martin Zaluk and Dathon Knott. Those two will help fill the void left by leading goal scorer Alberto Villarreal.