Aug. 28, 2008

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - A dominant late season push helped the Lewis University men's soccer team capture a Great Lakes Valley Conference title in 2007. Unfortunately for the Flyers, the magical run ended in the first round of NCAA Division II regional play.

This year, with many of the key components of last season's team still in place, the Flyers hope to move beyond the first-round letdown and compete for a national title.

"This team has everything a team needs to win," said Evan Fiffles, who is in his 17th season as Lewis' head coach. "We have guys who can score. We have versatility in the midfield, and we have a strong physical defense. We have speed everywhere."

After starting last season 7-4, the Flyers put together an inspired eight-game win streak to close out regular-season play. Lewis headed into the conference tournament as one of the hottest teams in the nation, carrying a No. 15 national ranking.

The momentum carried throughout the tournament, and Lewis claimed the program's eighth conference title with a thrilling 1-0 win over unbeaten Northern Kentucky, the nation's No. 1 team.

Southern Illinois Edwardsville edged Lewis in regional play the following weekend, but the Flyers' success was well-documented and the building blocks for 2008 were in place. Lewis finished 17-5, with all five losses decided by just one goal, and the team's 17 wins tied the 2000 team for the second most wins in program history.

"Whenever you win a championship, it's a great season," Fiffles said. "But this year, I don't think our guys are going to be satisfied with just a conference title. They want to win the regional and more."

Losing only two regulars from last year's roster, the Flyers have the pieces in place to make a deep run in 2008. Lewis' top five scorers have all returned. It's a line-up which includes an All-America forward and three additional all-region players.

"The key for us this season is going to be avoiding injuries," Fiffles said. "We have to stay healthy, work hard and perform." Lewis' 2008 roster features six seniors, nine juniors, six sophomores and five freshmen.

"We have a deep team," Fiffles said. "Up and down the roster, we have guys who can come in and perform when called upon."

Lewis' offense ranked second in the conference last season with 2.41 goals per game. Senior Cory Mastey led the Flyers with 13 goals while junior Nestor Hernandez, an All-America third-team selection, tallied nine. Senior Jorge De Jesus added seven goals and led the team with six assists.

"We have a lot of options up front," Fiffles said. "Cory got off to a hot start last season while Nestor and George proved to be a good combination us as well. I have no doubt we'll be able to score from both sides with regularity. We'll try some different looks early on, but I'm confident scoring will not be a problem.

"Nestor is one of the best forwards in the conference. He brings speed, and he has a knack for putting the ball in the net. Jorge is a solid technical player and a great passer. He is a great compliment to Nestor. Cory has that ability to run by guys, and he is good in the air."

Also adding depth up front are sophomore Armin Vrebac and freshman Christian Chavez.

"Armin and Chris have the potential to step in and score goals for us," Fiffles said. "Armin scored a few goals for us last season. When he gets on the field he contributes. Chris is another guy who could contribute right away. He's a soccer player. He's good on the ball and a good passer. He's a smooth forward."

Lewis' all-region talent extends into the midfield.

"We have a physical and athletic bunch of guys who can help us in the middle." Fiffles said. "We have mid D-I type players."

Sophomore Mardoche Beya and senior Craig McIntosh figure to be two staples of the Flyers' midfield. Beya earned all-region as a freshman, scoring five goals and three assists. McIntosh brings leadership and experience.

"They are definitely two keys to our midfield," Fiffles said. "Mardoche has more endurance now. Craig is smart and physical player."

Other returners to the Flyers' midfield include juniors Kipp Cartwright, Tim Vance and Charlie Bucio and sophomore Colin Sanabria. Junior Art Rodriguez and freshman Tim Garland also figure into the mix.

"I've been pleased with our returners," Fiffles said. "They are good workers and all had productive spring seasons. Just like up front, we have a number of viable options for our midfield."

The Flyers' depth continues in the back. Regular starters juniors Joey De Francesco and Alex Koprowski have returned. Senior Chris Buczkowski stepped up and impressed Fiffles in the spring.

"I'm excited about the depth and versatility that exists on the defensive end," Fiffles said. "I have the ability to mix and match and mold a top-notch defense. By the time we hit the stretch, we will have a top-caliber defense.

Minding the net is senior Anthony Szymel. A two-time all-region pick, Szymel put together the best season of his Lewis career in 2007, setting personal bests in goals-against average (0.86), saves (68), wins (17), save percentage (.791) and minutes (1884:55).

He had six solo and three combined shutouts for the season, including two consecutive shutouts during the Flyers' conference title run. Szymel ended the regular season ranked fourth in the conference in GAA among goalies with 1,000 or more minutes played.

In the postseason, Szymel elevated his play to an even higher level. His seven saves in the Lewis' GLVC tournament semifinal win over Indianapolis was a season high and his shutout of No.1 NKU in the conference championship game was the first time the Norse were shutout in over a year.

"Anthony looks trim and in shape," Fiffles said. "I'm expecting big things from him this season. He now has experience in big games. He brings composure and experience in the back."

The Flyers open the season Aug. 29 at Northwood. Lewis will play four games before heading into conference action.

"There isn't a team on the schedule we can't beat," Fiffles said. "We play in a tough conference. It's going to be a battle. We have to grind it out. Our goal is to host the conference championship.

"Our guys were disappointed with the way last season ended and hungry to take it to another level. Health is the key, but we certainly have the depth and confidence to achieve our goals."