HOLY FAMILY MEN'S SOCCER - OUT TO CHANGE THE PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATORS

September 9, 2005

By Dan Moynihan

For the Northeast Times

When Chris Jones discovered that the Holy Family University men's soccer team was picked to finish seventh in the eight-team Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, the senior captain understood why many CACC coaches felt that way. The Tigers finished last in league play last season.

"It's bulletin board material, but we did finish last last year," Jones said of the team's 3-14-1 record. "I guess they can't expect a team to turn around and win five or six more games with a new coach, but we're trying to develop an attitude that won't tolerate losing."

So far it's working. As the Times went to press this week, the Tigers were undefeated after a 4-0 win over the University of the District of Columbia on Aug. 31. Jones, a Mayfair resident and William Penn Charter School graduate, recorded the game-winning goal just three minutes into the regular season. Even though it's just one game, there's nothing wrong with starting the season on the right foot. And the opening-day victory came as no surprise to first-year coach Mike Bradby. Besides, who do you think was the only coach to cast a first-place preseason vote for the Tigers?

"I picked us to finish number one (in the CACC)," Bradby said. "After we were picked to finish seventh, I brought it to their attention. I don't necessarily believe in bulletin board material, but it's good to keep it in their minds. I believe we can be a ranked team no matter what the league coaches say."

As Jones points out, the mindset that Bradby displays has become infectious.

"His passion for the game is so obvious," Jones said of Bradby, a former professional soccer player. "He wants to get the most out of us, not only on the field but off it as well."

Prior to their victory over UDC, the Tigers won three scrimmage games, including a victory over Villanova. Villanova, an NCAA Division I program, was picked to finish fourth in the Big East. A major reason for Holy Family's promising start has been its off-field conditioning. Bradby wants his team to be physically fit. And if they don't finish the season with the best record, they'll at least finish in the best shape.

"I feel like we're in more shape than we've been," added Jones. "We're also working harder in practice. And (Bradby) is leading us by example. We see him before practice and staying after . . . it inspires you to work harder."

For Jones, his final collegiate season was one of transition. After transferring from DeSales University following his freshman year, Jones started for the Tigers as a defender. This year, however, Bradby moved him to the midfield.

"I didn't mind the change," added Jones, "and we're all finding our roles on this team. We've managed to put our egos aside. In past seasons, I'm not sure if we were mentally or physically prepared. Now we feel more organized and physically stronger."

Holy Family's four-goal output last week was a far cry from its scoring woes of last season. In fact, the Tigers scored just six goals in their first 11 games in 2004. Expecting to contribute substantially on the offensive side of the field are sophomores Jim Latronica, Kevin Penko and Ed Szambelak.

Latronica, a second-team CACC performer as a freshman, led the team in scoring last year with nine goals. Penko, a graduate of Roman Catholic, wrapped up his rookie campaign with five goals, while Szambelak, a North Catholic grad, finished last season with seven points. Defensively, Holy Family hopes to improve on its shabby 2.88-goals-against average recorded just last year. The Tigers will be looking for some defensive leadership from Northeast natives Matt Stricker (North Catholic), Chris Weber (Archbishop Ryan) and Joe Rudolph (North Catholic). Joining Jones as team captains are senior defender Kevin MacKenzie and junior midfielder Al Hewitt, a 2003 graduate of North Catholic.

If confidence is what Holy Family lacked last year, there's an over-abundance of it this season. And it's that type of attitude that should help the Tigers surpass last year's win total.

"If we keep improving in practice, we should do well this season. There is no one in this league that's going to be working as hard as we do," Jones said. "If we keep working at the things we do during practice, I can't see why we can't go to the head of the class (in the CACC)."