Soccer sophomores can't afford to slump this year

With a mix of established seniors and fledgling freshmen, last year's men's soccer team looked like a Rolling Stones farewell tour that decided to bring 'N Sync along for the ride. The eclectic combination produced a golden hit; Yale climbed to eighth in the country at one point, and ranked 18th at year's end. The Elis' strong season included a school-record of 13 wins and a thrilling 1-0 victory against Rutgers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. However, with the seniors now departed and captain Danny Moss, MC '01, sidelined for at least the first few games of the season with a knee injury, the Bulldogs' hopes depend on whether the stars of the class of 2003 can produce another top-notch tour or whether they, like so many, prove to be one-hit wonders.

JULIA TIERNAN/YH The Bulldogs will count on Matt Schmidt, SM '01, to aid an offense that must cope with the loss of all-time leading scorer Jac Gould, CC '00.

The Elis are pinning many of their hopes on midman and forward Jay Alberts, SY '03. Alberts landed on the Ivy soccer scene last year and did not stop running until he scooped up most of the league's honors. He led the Ancient Eight in scoring for league games with six goals and three assists (his seven goals and seven assists overall placed him third). He became the first Yalie to win Ivy Freshman of the Year and was only one of two players to be named unanimously to the All-Ivy first team. Alberts also received first-team all New England honors and was chosen to Soccer America's All-Freshman team.

At 5'8" and a mere 145 lbs., Alberts relies on his speed and agility to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Coach Brian Tompkins believes that Alberts' ceiling is immeasurable, but also feels that there is significant room for improvement. "Jay has to learn to have a consistent, dynamic impact," Tompkins said. The coach did not mince words in evaluating the importance of the young star to the team. "He has to influence every game."

Alberts' sophomore mates, a group that boasts 11 of the 17 returning players, provide the Elis with depth and star potential in many areas. Defender Stuart Yingst, BK '03, All-Ivy Honorable Mention last year, helps fortify the team's impenetrable defense. Defenders Colin Stirrat, PC '03, and Michael Fitzsimmons, TC '03, bring the impressive experience of a combined 25 starts from last season and will join Yingst on the back line. Meanwhile, forward Kevin Hofstra, BK '03, and midman John Walker, SM '03, add size and versatility to the front lines. While still a relatively young team, this group of players surprised many observers with significant contributions last year and together may be enough to produce a top-notch season. "Since the junior and senior classes are not that big, we have a huge role in leading the freshman," Stirrat said. "We need to come together as a group."

M. Soccer

Record:1-1, 0-0 Ivy Recent Results: Won vs. Lafayette, 1-0 Coming Up: Yale-FILA classic. Sat., Sept. 16-Mon., Sept. 17.

Tompkins will have some experience to ensure what both players and the coaching staff point to as the squad's strength: defense. Veteran defender Brian Lavin, PC '02, will be counted on to spearhead the defense for the second straight year while reserve defender Kurt Ahl-strand, MC '01, gives Tompkins an experienced alternative off the bench.

But missing from this top-notch defense, at least for the next few weeks, will be goalie Moss, who will be replaced by recruit Geoff Hollington, SM '04. The young stopper's play was exceptional in two exhibitions last weekend; he gave up only one goal during those two matches.

But the Bulldogs remain more vulnerable on the other side of the ball. Can Yale score enough to beat elite teams when they must replace now-graduated Jac Gould, CC '00, the Bulldogs all-time leading scorer, and fellow star Phil Harris, SM '00? In their place, Alberts must emerge as the squad's offensive leader. Alberts himself expects to get a good deal of help, particularly from Matt Schmidt, SM '01, providing the defense with some cushioning. "Matt has taken a new role upon himself," Alberts said. "He is moving the ball forward and taking outside shots from the top of the box."

Schmidt's two goals and five assists placed him fourth on the team in points last year, but more will be needed from him this time around if the team hopes to fill the void left by Gould and Harris. Junior forward Brian Larkin, MC '02, a converted defensemen, will bring speed and power to the offense.

And despite any weaknesses, Tompkins is entering the weekend and the season unfazed. "I really like the tone and competitiveness of this team," he said. "We are relatively inexperienced but the work effort and attitude are excellent. We are eager to improve."

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