Members of the men's soccer team at the University are perfect examples of academic achievement and athletic accomplishments.
In 2003, the Yellowjackets were designated as the winners of the NSCAA/adidas Team Academic Award, presented by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. It was Rochester's third straight year as a recipient of the award, given for a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher. This time, Rochester was recognized for having the highest cumulative GPA (3.51) in the nation among all senior colleges.
On the field, the Yellowjackets won the ECAC Northeast Regional Championship for the fourth consecutive year.
Many of the key individuals who formed that academic and athletic success return in 2004. Rochester returns three key forwards, five highly skilled midfielders, and two strong defenders to a group that was 14-4-3 a year ago.
Head coach Chris Apple '92 understands the academic and athletic rigors of wearing Rochester colors. Apple was an All-American as a sophomore and senior, an Academic All-American as a junior. He clearly likes what he sees.
“I feel good about our group,” he says. “We'll have to learn a lot [in pre-season] because we bring in 12 newcomers. It's going to be an on-going process to come together and play as a unit.”
Opposing teams found Rochester's defense tough to crack. The Yellowjackets allowed one goal or less in 34 of the last 41 games. Steve Maltzman '06 returns in defense along with Mike Springer '05 who spent a year up front. Jeff White '05 will challenge for the center back's role while Sam Kocsis '07 vys for a position as the wingback on the left side. Sophomores Justin Sobol, Neal Osuch, and Greg Hardy will compete for time in the back as well.
New faces who might break into the lineup include Ryan O'Mara, who transferred to the University from Monroe Community College, freshmen Tommy Carlson (Chicago) and Eric Meister (Southern California).
The goalkeeper's job is open, following the graduation of all-time shutout leader Brian Minehan. Aaron Bernstein '05, who played in nine games, has the most on-field experience. He will be challenged by freshmen Jack Burgasser and Paco Corbalan.
Rochester's midfield is led by Ben Cross '05, the leading scorer in 2002 who was hurt last year. Cross, an All-Region and All-UAA honoree in 2002 is joined by Jeremy Goico '06 who was an All-UAA pick last year. Colin Fernie '06 and Damien Hallatt '06 have starting experience on their resume. Brian Tuohy '07 had a strong spring season.
Newcomers to look for include Matt Sulkin and Brendan Reddy.
Up front, goals should come from the craftsmanship of Gary Stom '06 and Nate Micklos '06. Stom scored six goals and had six assists. Micklos earned All-America honors after netting 14 goals and four assists last year. He had five gamewinning goals. Tyler Green '07 scored three goals last year – two in the ECAC semifinal victory over Plattsburg, then the gamewinning goal in OT vs. SUNY Geneseo.
The Yellowjackets play five home games between Sept. 1 and Sept. 11. Rochester hosts Alfred on Sept. 1 at 7 pm. The signature home game could be the Sept. 10 match against St. Lawrence University, a perennial NCAA contender.
