PREVIEW: ‘Deep’ team ready to exorcise 2017

If you ask fifth-year USU Eastern Head Soccer Coach Ammon Bennett about the men’s soccer team last year, he will probably tell you it was one of the most up and down seasons in his 20-years of collegiate coaching.
The Eagles had a lot of great moments including beating or tying every team in their conference once.
With those great moments, the men’s soccer program dealt with injuries and other circumstances which caused some adversity for the team down the stretch.
Moving forward to 2018, Bennett is excited to bring back a solid core of returning players and combining that group with some talented newcomers.
“We have in my opinion, we have a really good group of returning players. It is probably the deepest we have had since I have been here,” said Bennett.
That group of returners includes 2017 All-Region performers Garrett Boston and Frank DeBry.
DeBry led the Eagles in goals last season and Boston was a mainstay on defense and started almost every game for Bennett.
“I am excited to come back this year because it’s my last year and hopefully I can make a huge impact for the team and help us succeed this season,” said DeBry.
Other returners that saw significant playing time in 2017 that will be counted on this Fall also include Jojea Kwizera, Connor Woodyatt, Mat Clark, Guillermo Hernandez, Tyler Malan, and Luke Madsen.
So, with the cupboard full of experience and talent, what is the goal for the men’s soccer program at USU Eastern?
It’s simple, according to Bennett and DeBry it is to win the Region XVIII title and reach the National Tournament.
But how do they get there?
“To win region this year we need to focus on one game at a time and work together as a team to be successful. We need to be prepared for anything that comes our way and show everyone that we can compete with anyone,” said DeBry.
Handling a tough schedule and maximizing the 25-man roster will also be needed to achieve their goals.
USU Eastern plays each opponent on their conference schedule three times including two games that are on back to back days.
According to Bennett, depth and preparing all 25 players for those difficult back to back games will be how the Eagles will accomplish the goal of a conference title.
“You have to play other players and to trust them. That is how you get through the league and win it,” said Bennett.
Fall practices officially begin on August 6 for the men’s soccer team.
The Eagles will open their regular season schedule with a tournament in Wyoming on August 24.
On August 31, the Eagles will take on Sheridan College in the home opener at 6 p.m. at the new soccer fields north of the National Guard Armory.