Ohio Northern Men's Soccer returns strong core for the 2015 season

By: Ashley Birchmeier

ADA — The kick-off of the 2015 season will mark the 40th anniversary of the first men's soccer team in Ohio Northern men's soccer histroy.

"I am fortunate to be a part of such an amazing tradition," head coach Brent Ridenour said. "We try to go out every day and make everyone who has worn an ONU Men's Soccer jersey proud."

Ridenour returns 21 letter winners from his 2014 squad that went 12-8-1 and 5-3-1 in Ohio Athletic Conference play.

Of the 21 returners eight were starters, 10 are defensive specialist and 11 are attackers.

The Polar Bears welcome back junior, All-OAC honorees Matt Kinkopf and David Janusz at the forward positions.

Kinkopf led the team last season with eight goals and recorded two assists before suffering a season ending injury. Janusz scored five goals during the 2014 season and recorded one assist.

Juniors Alex Hansen and Adam Subasic and sophomores Ben Conkin and Cory Lains will look to provide the extra depth the Polar Bears need at the forward position.

"I am excited to see our team offense this season," said Ridenour. "Many of our players have played in big games and in big moments and everyone is ready to contribute."

Northern returns a great deal of talent and experience at the midfield position for the 2015 season.

"We're deep at all of our forward and midfield positions also, so the competition in training is going to be excellent," said Ridenour.

Juniors Austin Horton, Colin Johnson, Dustin Lorenzo, Tommy Troy, Patrick Sabol and sophomore Chris Garbig all return after seeing considerable time a year ago.

Horton led the team last season in assists with seven, while Johnson recorded two assists.

Lorenzo also posted a team leading seven assists in 2014, while earning 17 points.

Troy made apperances in 15 games last season, while Sabol and Garbig appeared in all 21 games for the Polar Bears.

The Polar Bears return a solid core to the defensive position, welcoming back seniors Chase Mueller (1st Team All-OAC a year ago) and Chad Smith.

Mueller was also named All-Ohio a season ago, recording two goals.

Also competing for a starting role this season will be senior Josh Long and sophomores Seth Ricker, Dakota Swisher and Mac Tompkins.

"Our primary focus is our team defense," said Ridenour. "We understand if we want to reach the goals we have set for ourselves, that it will come down to how well we can defend."

Sophomore Dean McNeil will be joined by freshman Michael Sowers at the goalkeeper position.

McNeil played and started 17 games last season and posted five shutouts for the Polar Bears.

The Polar Bears open the 2015 campaign on the road at Olivet (Mich.) Sept. 1, at Wheaton (Mass.) Sept. 5, and at Babson (Mass.) Sept. 6.

Northern then returns home to face off with Wittenberg on Sept. 9, before taking on Thiel (Pa.) and Brockport St. (N.Y.) Sept. 11-12 as part of the ONU Invitational.

The non-conference portion of the schedule closes out with contests against Ohio Wesleyan, Case Western Reserve, Defiance, Anderson (Ind.) and Manchester (Ind.).

The OAC season kicks off on Oct. 3 when ONU welcomes John Carroll to Kerscher Stadium.

Northern closes out the OAC regular season with Marietta on Oct. 31.

The 6-team OAC Tournament runs from Nov. 3-7, with the tournament being held across the conference at campus sites.