Booters look to pave road to NCAA title

By DARREN STEELE
Collegian Staff Writer

After a successful 1998 campaign, the Penn State men's soccer team has to find something new on which to build.

The introduction of some new faces and a schedule that will test their skill could help them build a road to a national title.

The Nittany Lions began this construction project after last season's second-round loss to St. John's in the NCAA Tournament. The Lions finished the season 14-6-2.

The Lions lost their leading scorer, Jon McClay, to graduation, but will turn to junior midfielder Ricardo Villar to lead the offense. Villar tallied four goals and nine assists to finish second in team scoring last year.

"I am very excited about our depth this year," Penn State assistant men's soccer coach Kevin Doyle said. "Every time (head coach Barry Gorman), (assistant coach Michael Coll) and I sit down to determine the 11 starters we come up with a different one. It will really make a difference as the season goes on."

Unfortunately for the Lions, sophomore sweeper Jorma Makipaa suffered an injury during the summer that could cripple his playing chances early into the season.

"Jorma broke his leg this summer while in Finland," Doyle said. "He has been coming to practice in a leg cast, and is consulting our team physicians."

Although Makipaa's playing time is in doubt, the team will turn to the rest of its talented roster. Senior captain Blake Novotny will lead the defense.

"Having a leadership role is something I have always wanted to do on this team," Novotny said.

A talented cast will support Novotny, too. Whit Gibson, an All-Big Ten goalie selection last year, will return for his senior year. Gibson posted some impressive stats last season, including a goals- against average of 0.70 that was among the best in the nation. Furthermore, he tied a team record with 10 shutouts last season and collected 74 saves.

While the defense is expected to be strong, the offense is capable of being even stronger. Along with Villar, the team will look to junior Pete Shellenberger and sophomores Derek Potteiger and Ryan Miller to resume their offensive attacks from last year.

Many Big Ten men's soccer analysts consider Shellenberger one of the most talented midfielders in the Big Ten, with the ability to score from anywhere.

Although both the offense and defense are looking as if they will return as strong units, the team is looking at other aspects of the game on which to focus.

"We are trying to emphasize ball control and finishing to the goal in practice," Doyle said.

"We had problems last year with turning over the ball. We need to correct that."

The team also will focus on defending national champion Indiana. The Lions took the Hoosiers to double overtime in the Big Ten Championship, only to lose 1-0.

"We talk about them in practice," Novotny said. "We will say things like, 'Think about what Indiana is doing now, guys.' "

The Lions will get their chance for revenge when they travel to Bloomington on Oct. 1.

The Lions will open the season by participating in the Ohio State Nike Classic Sept. 3 in Columbus.