August 20, 2010
Men's Soccer Season Preview
"Our newcomers were all recruited to help us immediately and they all have a lot of skill and understand the game well," said Wallace. "They are also doing a great job of getting to know the returning players and have been keeping the practices competitive, which is great."
Already in the first week of practice, Wallace has seen some good things from his entire squad and is pleased with the level of intensity at these practices. Team chemistry has been good in the first week of practice which Wallace hopes continues to cultivate. "The returning players are comfortable and understand how we want to play and have been demonstrating this to the new guys," stated Wallace.
With 16 returners from the 2009 squad, the team's goal is to be in a position to win every time they step on the field and to continue to have competitive practices. "If we can have everyone on the same page, working hard, staying competitive in practice and making sure the intensity level doesn't dip in practice, that will put is in a position to win every time," said Wallace.
Games against Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) opponents will continue to be competitive this season as three teams were ranked in the NSCAA Top 25 preseason poll released Aug. 10. Lewis earned the No. 3 spot, while Drury took the No. 9 position and Northern Kentucky ranked No. 21. One of Maryville's non-conference opponents, Truman State, came in at No. 24.
"Playing three ranked teams is nothing new in the GLVC schedule and you want to play non-conference games that will help you prepare for those conference games," said Wallace. "We play Fontbonne University, which is a good NCAA Division III team, William Jewell that will be in our conference schedule next year, and Truman State that is in the Top 25, for our non-conference games."
"We want to play teams that are even with us or a little above us to push us and help us prepare for the conference schedule," he continued. "Three days after we play Fontbonne, our conference slate starts."
Wallace looks forward to the Saints' second year in NCAA Division II competition and as a member of the GLVC. "Last year was tough, but the guys did a good job of mentally staying in it," he said. "The new guys came in hungry, ready to prove themselves; they're competitive and ready to play."
Maryville has a scrimmage against Jefferson College on Aug. 21 and an exhibition against Central Methodist on Aug. 28 before it opens the season at Fontbonne on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.
Contact: KatieJo Kuhens, SID
