jr4750
All American
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- Aug 17, 2011
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Ugh, pains me to do this, sans championship, but another year has come to a close. Congrats to UNC, who couldn't stay within earshot of us on two occasions, but got it done in May. Thanks to Maltz, Mullins, and the crew for 4/5 solid years in Orange. Alas, its times to make some predictions on what we have coming back and how we might stack up next year. I have seen some smart ideas in other threads, but figured I would start a cumulative one and give mine.
Attack:
Evans, Solomon, Thorpe
Interesting year at attack with a ton of space finally opened. After Rice in '15 and now Dylan in '16, those are two holes that were filled securely for years. New blood is needed and has great opportunity. Keep an eye out for Devin Shewell to join in the fun as well.
Midfield:
1st Line - Lane, Mariano, Salcido
2nd Line - Carlin, McKinney, Romano
3rd Line - Weston, Simmons, Trimboli
Keeping the boys together on 1st midfield. Think Salcido needs to work on his ability to beat the pole, which will make that 1st line very strong. As much as moving Mariano makes sense, as some have argued elsewhere, need to play percentages, and make a super strong 1st line as opposed to diluting talent by pushing him up to attack. That is unless, someone like Romano or Trimboli come in fast and ready in the Fall. Second line is stacked with athletes and size, but hardly any experience. Really need someone to step up. Not sure anyone could have predicted Salcido's year, so hopefully someone new emerges here. On 1st line, Lane has got to learn how to use his size effectively more often. Needs to play big when needed and be a gunner when called upon.
Defense:
LSM Firman, Fusco (locks)
SSDM - Cifferi, Schwansick, Gillis (locks)
Close - Bomberry, Cunningham, Mellen
Tons of openings on close for 2017. SSDM and LSM are fairly well locked in. Paduda may get some run on SSDM again. As for close, well, theres opportunity for sure. Mullins and McDermott, played a ton of lax for us. Listed the three who I thought had the best chance, not knowing how some of these freshman will look. Also a kid like Andrew Helmer, who red-shirted has a shot to get on the field here as well. Perhaps as a LSM, or maybe on close. SO GLAD that we have Molloy coming back and that he got experience here last year. Can you imagine a new goalie and two new close starters? Yikes! Mellen is as solid as they come, but its nice to be able to break in a new D with an experienced keeper. This potential close defense, could start together for 3 years. Year one begins in 2017.
Keeper: Molloy
Kid played well up to Maryland. Behind him are Avallone and Madonna, but think its his job to lose, and imagine he will do a good job back there in 2017.
Eh, well those are my suggestions. Didn't even bother listing Ben, lock city, and already am scared about him graduating! Wing play with Paduda and Luke S, was good, and should be better in 2017. Firman also was solid there.
Attack:
Evans, Solomon, Thorpe
Interesting year at attack with a ton of space finally opened. After Rice in '15 and now Dylan in '16, those are two holes that were filled securely for years. New blood is needed and has great opportunity. Keep an eye out for Devin Shewell to join in the fun as well.
Midfield:
1st Line - Lane, Mariano, Salcido
2nd Line - Carlin, McKinney, Romano
3rd Line - Weston, Simmons, Trimboli
Keeping the boys together on 1st midfield. Think Salcido needs to work on his ability to beat the pole, which will make that 1st line very strong. As much as moving Mariano makes sense, as some have argued elsewhere, need to play percentages, and make a super strong 1st line as opposed to diluting talent by pushing him up to attack. That is unless, someone like Romano or Trimboli come in fast and ready in the Fall. Second line is stacked with athletes and size, but hardly any experience. Really need someone to step up. Not sure anyone could have predicted Salcido's year, so hopefully someone new emerges here. On 1st line, Lane has got to learn how to use his size effectively more often. Needs to play big when needed and be a gunner when called upon.
Defense:
LSM Firman, Fusco (locks)
SSDM - Cifferi, Schwansick, Gillis (locks)
Close - Bomberry, Cunningham, Mellen
Tons of openings on close for 2017. SSDM and LSM are fairly well locked in. Paduda may get some run on SSDM again. As for close, well, theres opportunity for sure. Mullins and McDermott, played a ton of lax for us. Listed the three who I thought had the best chance, not knowing how some of these freshman will look. Also a kid like Andrew Helmer, who red-shirted has a shot to get on the field here as well. Perhaps as a LSM, or maybe on close. SO GLAD that we have Molloy coming back and that he got experience here last year. Can you imagine a new goalie and two new close starters? Yikes! Mellen is as solid as they come, but its nice to be able to break in a new D with an experienced keeper. This potential close defense, could start together for 3 years. Year one begins in 2017.
Keeper: Molloy
Kid played well up to Maryland. Behind him are Avallone and Madonna, but think its his job to lose, and imagine he will do a good job back there in 2017.
Eh, well those are my suggestions. Didn't even bother listing Ben, lock city, and already am scared about him graduating! Wing play with Paduda and Luke S, was good, and should be better in 2017. Firman also was solid there.