Aug. 19, 2005
In the third installment of a three part series, smumustangs.com continues this year's Fall Preview. Today, smumustangs.com will give you, the fan, an in-depth look at the Mustang men's soccer squad as head coach Schellas Hyndman leads his experienced squad into Conference USA.
Being a perennial national powerhouse is a difficult reputation to live up to year after year, but the SMU men's soccer team continues to hold true to that definition. Look for the Mustangs to shine once again in 2005...
Entering his 22nd season as head coach, Schellas Hyndman returns six starters from last year's squad which finished the 2004 campaign with a record of 16-4-1 and reached the third round of the NCAA Championship as the No. 7 seed of the tournament. SMU is coming off its fourth Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title and its third MVC Tournament title. In the various preseason ranking polls, SMU is 11th in the College Soccer News.com poll and seventh in the NSCAA/adidas poll.
SMU enters the 2005 campaign as one of the newest members of Conference USA and the challenges that go along with it. "Conference USA can be one of the top three premier conferences in the country," states Hyndman. "We're excited to be able to face some great teams in our conference." SMU is the preseason pick to win the league title, as voted on by the conference's coaches.
Prior to kicking off league play at home on Sept. 30 vs. UAB, Hyndman has lined up a non-conference schedule that features such teams as Notre Dame, Saint Louis, New Mexico, Creighton, South Florida, Loyola Marymount, and defending national champion Indiana. "Our philosophy at SMU is play the best teams we possibly can so we can get better," says Hyndman. "By playing the best teams, we have the opportunity to see where our real strengths and potential weaknesses are." Hyndman takes the month of September very seriously and uses those games to gauge the progress of the team and prepare for league play and NCAA post-season match-ups.
Despite the loss of four starting players due to graduation, the Mustangs have reloaded and filled any possible gaps with extremely talented and gifted individuals. "Our former seniors were exceptional," states Hyndman. "They not only played well for us - they showed great leadership and helped the younger players develop a great team chemistry."
Four student-athletes anchor the 2005 SMU senior class. All bring in substantial experience and leadership qualities to guide SMU to a very successful 2005 season.
A starter the last three seasons, team tri-captain David Chun (Irvine, Calif.) "brings great leadership to our program", says Hyndman. "He sets a high standard for training and puts it out on the line. You can always count on David on the field and he leads by example." A 2004 All-MVC second team selection, Chun totaled two goals and two assists in his 21 starts, including the game winners vs. Western Kentucky and vs. Cal. Chun also received MVC Scholar-Athlete honors in 2004 as well.
The 2004 campaign was cut short for forward Duke Hashimoto (Kapolei, Hawaii), who collected five goals and added three assists in nine games before sustaining an ACL injury. He tallied the game-winning goal at #4 Saint Louis. "Duke's a player that always wants to perform and gives 100%," states Hyndman. "He's a wonderful young man to be around. Soccer is such a big part of his life - this upcoming season will be Duke's finest."
Michael Uremovich (Richardson, Texas) saw action in 17 games in 2004, scoring two goals and three assists, including the game-winners vs. FIU and Yale. "Michael came in as a midfielder and has made the transition to forward," says Hyndman. "He has exceptional ball skills and handles the ball extremely well. Michael has great vision for the game and will be at his best this year as he's matured into a senior player."
Midfielder Kellan Zindel (Flower Mound, Texas) was one of five players to start all 21 games in 2004. He posted two goals and a team-high seven assists. But look for Zindel to become more involved in the attacking third in 2005. "Kellan has one of the best shots on the team," states Hyndman. "He has a competitive spirit and is a fighter in the box. We look for great things from Kellan and believe that this will be his best year."
The Mustang junior class boasts of talent, athleticism and vast experience.
Hyndman recalls when defender Mynor Gonzalez (Guatemala City, Guatemala) came to SMU as a walk-on player, worked tremendously hard and has now earned the honor as a team captain. A member of the full Guatemalan National team, Gonzalez was one of five players to start all 21 games last season. He was SMU's second-leading scorer with six goals and two assists, including going 4-of-4 in penalty kicks. "As a fierce competitor, he's one of our best players because of his international experience," states Hyndman. "Mynor takes his position as captain very seriously."
Jay Needham (Fort Worth, Texas) was one of five players to start all 21 games in 2004 and recorded five assists during the course of the season. One of three team captains in 2005, Needham "brings great maturity and calmness in the back," states Hyndman. "Jay has the potential of scoring goals in the run of play, free kicks and corner kicks. He gives good instruction, supports his teammates in position and is a good man-on-man tackler of the ball. The additional responsibilities of captain will bring more of his leadership qualities to the surface."
Dario Saintus (Arlington, Texas) saw action in 18 games as a midfielder last season with one goal and four assists. Saintus saw a majority of spring play as a striker. "Dario adds many ingredients that we lost with Ryan Latham and that is just pure speed," states Hyndman. "Dario is a constant threat to go forward and can also serve as a flank midfielder that can beat people on the flanks. We expect better and better things from Dario as he matures."
With two seasons under his belt, goalkeeper Matt Wideman (Allen, Texas) will vie for playing time in 2005. "Matt is one of the hardest working goalkeepers to play for SMU," states Hyndman. "He's a wonderful young man who works extremely hard and plays to every bit of his potential."
Rounding out the junior class is midfielder Chase Wileman (Dallas, Texas) who saw playing time in seven games last season. Hyndman believes that Wileman has the capability of being a starter in 2005 after having a very good spring season. "Chase's vision on the field is second to none," says Hyndman. "He has strong ball possession, ball skills, finishing and great penetrating passes." Hyndman expects defensive improvement from Wileman to compensate for the loss of last year's seniors.
After a year of experience under its belt, the Mustang sophomore class is geared up to contribute to the upcoming season's success.
Midfielder Scott Corbin (Yorba Linda, Calif.) played in 18 games last season, scoring two Mustang goals. He earned All-MVC honorable mention honors. "Scott was the most pleasant surprise of the team last year," says Hyndman. "He is very gifted as a flank midfielder, going forward. Scott has great service of the ball, good speed and athletic ability."
Israel Jones played in 20 games his debut season, including 11 starts. He posted his lone goal in the 2004 MVC championship game vs. Tulsa. A MVC All-Freshmen team selection, Jones' (Medina, Ohio) versatility was key to SMU's success in 2004, playing various positions (center back, right fullback, and central midfield). Look for Hyndman to utilize Jones' talents again in 2005. "Izzy takes so much pride in his defensive play," states Hyndman. "He's a warrior on the field - fearless - and lzzy leads by example."
Perhaps the most focus and pressure going into the 2005 campaign will be on the shoulders of goalkeeper Steve Sandbo (Columbus, Ohio), who is the favorite to earn the starting position with the graduation of T.J. Tomasso. Sandbo totaled nearly 400 minutes of playing time his freshman season, making five saves and allowing five goals. He posted a 2-1 record and a GAA of 1.16. A member of the U.S. U-20 national pool, Sandbo "is one of the best goalkeepers in the United States today," states Hyndman. "If there is one player that we must count on, it's Steve because he is very gifted and has all of the ingredients to be one of the best keepers to play for SMU."
Two Mustangs received medical redshirts in 2004 and look to play a strong role in 2005.
Midfielder Philip Calderon (Miami, Fla.) came to SMU with a preseason injury, saw some action, but injured his knee which required surgery. Hyndman expects a good season for Calderon. "Philip has a lot of talent on the right side midfield. He's a hard working player with good speed and vision." A four-year starter at Gulliver Prep, Calderon scored 43 goals and 48 assists during his career.
Defender Tim McRae (Indialantic, Fla.) impressed Hyndman in preseason in 2004, but broke his leg three days into training and was out for the year. "Tim has good size (standing 6-2) and is very talented," says Hyndman. "He has good ball skills, vision, and distribution of the ball." A two-time All-State and District All-Star while attending Satellite High School, McRae was named the Cape Coast Conference Player of the Year, posting a school record 79 goals and 54 assists in his four-year career.
SMU welcomes junior transfer Jordan Mann (Prairie Village, Kan.) who came to the Hilltop in spring, 2005, and participated in the team's spring practices. Mann played two years at Furman, notching 20 games at the collegiate level as a defender/midfielder. "Jordan brings immediate experience to our team - he strikes the ball as well as anyone," says Hyndman.
This year's incoming class is being hailed as one of the best recruiting classes in SMU history. Ranked seventh by College Soccer News.com, seven players who call the Dallas-Ft.Worth area their home and all come from the same club team (Dallas Texans `86 Red) - quite an unique and very special trait. Five of those players come from the Dallas Texans 87 Red team which won the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in late July.
Forward Paulo da Silva (Arlington, Texas) attended Oakridge High School and was named an NSCAA All-American. Selected the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Player of the Year the last two years, da Silva totaled 76 goals and 46 assists in high school and helped his team to the 2005 state championship. "Paulo is a very gifted forward who has great vision and the ability to score goals," states Hyndman. "He has worked hard to continue his development in soccer." da Silva is a member of the Dallas Texans 86 Red team.
A 5-8 midfielder, Bruno Guarda joins current teammate Paulo da Silva at SMU. Guarda also attends Oakridge School in Arlington, Texas. His club team affiliations include XV de Piracicaba - Brasil (1998-2000), Capivariano - Brasil (2000-02) and the Dallas Texans (2002-2005). Bruno's achievements and awards include team awards (1998-2000 campeao regional, 2001 campeao da liga de piracicaba, and 2001 campeao do estado). The Dallas Texans earned the State Cup and the Classic League championships the last three years. The Dallas Texans also captured the 2003 Dallas Cup. At Oakridge, Bruno was named SPC all team and all south zone the last two years. "Bruno is a great addition to our team and can play a variety of different positions in attack," states Hyndman. "Bruno is exceptionally skilled and works very hard when defending. He has been a part of great teams both in his native Brazil and in the United States with the Dallas Texans 86 Red team. It will be very exciting to see him play with the players we have here at SMU."
Midfielder Jeff Harwell (Dallas, Texas) is a graduate of Jesuit College Prep and was named Varsity MVP the last two seasons. He was selected as a 2005 Parade All-American and was nominated for Gatorade High School Player of the Year honors. A current member of the U.S. U-20 national team pool, Harwell earned USYSA ODP National All-Star Team honors and also plays for the Dallas Texans club team. "To be a part of the national pool as a high school player is really quite remarkable," says Hyndman. "Jeff possesses the characteristics of a player that wants to make things happen and is determined to win."
A four-year letterwinner at Red Oak High School, midfielder Daniel Lopez comes to SMU as the reigning Dallas Morning News Boys Soccer Player of the Year. During his high school career, Lopez totaled 52 goals and 32 assists, and was a two-time District 9-4A MVP. Lopez was a member of the state ODP team in 2002 and 2003 and earned NSCAA/adidas All-State and All-Region honors. He played club soccer with the Dallas Texans and served as team captain. "Daniel will be one of the smarter players on the team that understands the game, the tactics," states Hyndman. "Very seldom does he turn the ball over or make a mistake. Daniel is a nice addition to the squad."
A natural left-sided player, defender Kevin Mackey (Mesquite, Texas) was a four-year starter at Mesquite Poteet. Named All-District Defensive MVP in 2004, Mackey earned Dallas Morning News Player of the Week and District All-Academic first-team honors. He has been a member of the Dallas Texans club team the last eight years and helped his squad to various championships. "Kevin is going to come in and help this team," says Hyndman.
A 6-2 defender, Ryan Mirsky (Tyler, Texas) was a four-year letterwinner at Tyler High School. Named Offensive District MVP and team MVP in 2005, Mirsky was a four-time All-Tournament team selection. He was also an NSCAA/adidas All-America selection in 2004. He was named to the 2005 All-East Texas soccer team and was a member of the `85 and `86 Region III teams. "Ryan is a solid defender that has great ball possession ability," states Hyndman. "He is hard to beat one-on-one and has the speed, size and determination to win balls."
Midfielder Richard Oliva (Flower Mound, Texas) was a four-year letterwinner at Flower Mound High School and was named to the 2005 Dallas Morning News All-Area first team. A four-time All-District 7-5A, All-Denton County and All-Region team selection, Oliva earned Conference MVP honors in 2005. He was selected to the NSCAA/adidas All-State and All-America teams in 2005. Oliva totaled 60 goals and 25 assists during his high school career and holds school records in every offensive category. A member of the Dallas Texans club team, he has scored 218 goals for the Texans. Oliva earned the U-18 Boot award at the 2005 U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships. "Richard is a very versatile player for us on the left side," says Hyndman. "He can get on the end of the ball on headers and has the work rate to go both ways on the field."
A 6-1 defender from Austin, Texas, Luiz Rizental came to SMU this past spring after attending Cedar Park High School. A member of the Austin Capitals club team, he is also a member of the South Texas ODP state team. "Luiz has a lot of upside as he has played for a great coach in Rob Weaver with the Austin Capitals," states Hyndman. "Luiz has very good feet and great size. He has the ability to contribute to the team at a variety of positions."
Late roster additions in Chris Kostas, Nick Ciriaco, Joseph Stafford and Alexander Bowers will add even more depth to the Mustang squad.
Confident in its talent and athleticism, the SMU men's soccer team will once again be a force to reckon with during the 2005 season...