July 15, 2004

ROMEOVILLE - A coach knows his program has reached an elite level when winning a conference title doesn't quite meet the criteria for a successful season.

Don't misunderstand Lewis University men's soccer head coach Evan Fiffles and his Flyers, however, when they reflect upon last season. They speak proudly of capturing the 2003 Great Lakes Valley Conference crown, an achievement made even sweeter by a 3-1 GLVC Championship title-game victory over Southern Illinois Edwardsville in another chapter of what has become one of the league's best rivalries.

But when Lewis was not selected to compete in the NCAA Division II Championship - breaking a string of three consecutive postseason appearances - the disappointment in the Flyer Nation was palpable.

This year's Flyers certainly appear to have the necessary ingredients to begin another streak of NCAA participation and successfully defend their league title. The roster is stocked with 11 players who started at least 10 games last season and includes five seniors who twice have played in the NCAA Championship tournament.

"We might have a little chip on our shoulders this season," Fiffles said. "We had some tough, close losses to a few of our region opponents last year that kept us out of the postseason.

"Maybe we took things for granted after reaching the NCAA tournament three years in a row. We were close but fell short last year, and I think that will weigh heavily on our minds and make us hungrier this season. Our seniors want to go out winning the GLVC and going as far as possible in the NCAA."

One of those seniors, Mike Dahm, earned a place on the 2003 All-Central Region and All-GLVC first teams. Dahm scored five goals and one assist last year and roamed the back line for the first time in his Lewis career after playing the midfield his first two seasons.

"Mike is definitely a ball-winner," Fiffles said. "He has good speed, is aggressive and works hard up and down the field."

Senior goalkeeper Jordan Gustman posted five shutouts and ranked 13th in Division II and second in the GLVC with a 0.86 goals-against average a year ago.

"Jordan showed last year that he can play well in big games," Fiffles said. "He displayed a lot of confidence and played well down the stretch and in the GLVC tournament."

Senior defender Sebastian Falinski is a three-year starter whom Fiffles is counting upon for strong leadership.

"Sebastian has been a good, steady player for us throughout his career," Fiffles said. "He's in a position now where he has to play a big role in setting the stage for our success."

Senior Justin Sanabria hopes to settle into the midfield after moving around last season. Sanabria collected three goals and four assists in 2003 and is a dangerous offensive threat.

"We expect big things from Justin," Fiffles said, "and he'll produce big things if he plays aggressively. "We'll keep him at the outside-right position as much as possible this year."

Dustin Hitzeman's 2003 season was shortened by a knee injury, but the senior defender is healthy and ready for his final campaign.

"Dustin is quick and aggressive and plays hard," Fiffles said. "He'll challenge for the outside-right defender position."

Senior midfielder/forward Alejandro Blinder had five goals and an assist and also contributed nicely in other areas last year.

"It's tough to set Alejandro at one position because he's a good player who can play just about anywhere," Fiffles said. "He's especially good at holding the ball to allow our offense to take shape."

Sophomore forward Cathal Brady made a dazzling Lewis debut in 2003, garnering spots on the All-America third team, All-Central Region first team and All-GLVC second team and earning the GLVC Freshman of the Year award. Brady (13 goals, five assists) tied for second in goals and tied for third in points in the GLVC.

"Cathal gives us something we haven't had up top," Fiffles said. "He's a very quick, relentless player who always pressures the defense."

Junior midfielder TIto Lara (six goals, five assists) also made a splash last season, his first at Lewis. Lara was named to the All-Central Region and All-GLVC second teams, tied for the team lead in assists and tied for second on the team in goals.

"Tito played well last year and is capable of scoring even more," Fiffles said. "We want him to attack more aggressively, take more shots and score more goals."

Junior midfielders Sergio Lira and Matt Field and sophomore defender Gavin Grogan are returning starters also expected to play key roles.

"Sergio won a starting job his first two years and is a steady, versatile player who can play in the back or midfield," Fiffles said. "Matt has good size, is strong in the air and has a lot of potential to be a good scorer. Gavin had a great second half of last season after adjusting to the level of play, and we feel he'll have to be a leader for us to be successful."

Also back are junior defender Levar Cypress, sophomore forwards Nick Kowalski and Jose Gonzalez, and sophomore midfielder Anthony DeRose. Sophomore defender Mike Marchese is injured and probably will redshirt this season.

"Levar had another great spring and won the right defensive spot," Fiffles said. "He's probably our best athlete. Nick has good size, speed and potential, and Jose is a determined, committed, hard-working player. Anthony had a great spring and is our most improved player. He could earn playing time this year if he keeps going in the right direction."

Although Fiffles doesn't anticipate making major changes in Lewis' approach on the field - meaning defense again will be the team's primary focus - don't expect the Flyers to be shy at the offensive end. "We have forwards and midfielders who can score," Fiffles said.

As for the GLVC race, there will no shortage of challengers attempting to dethrone the Flyers.

"SIU Edwardsville, Wisconsin-Parkside, Quincy and Lewis appear to be the top four, but several other teams will be tough to beat," Fiffles said. "Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky had good recruiting classes, and Bellarmine has a lot back from a team that played well last year. Indianapolis has a new coach and could surprise some people, and Missouri-St. Louis may be the sleeper in the league.

"There's no doubt in my mind that the GLVC, top to bottom, is the toughest, deepest conference in Division II."