Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh looks to build on last year's success
9/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
After capturing the Patriot League title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 2000, expectations were high for similar success in 2001. While the team did not capture the league crown, the year was still a success, and many new team accomplishments were realized. With all but four starters returning from last season’s 11-win squad, the possibilities are endless for the 2002 group.
"We are returning a very solid team, a seasoned team," says head coach Dean Koski, who is entering his 12th season at the helm. "We’re fortunate in that we’re very balanced, with strong representation from all four classes."
The 2002 Mountain Hawks are buoyed by five strong seniors, including returning captain Dan Perciballi. "Dan’s been an important leader for us, and we expect him to continue in that role," Koski explained. Perciballi started all 17 games in which he played last season, tallying seven points from his midfield position, and earning All-Patriot League honors for the third straight season. The Mountain Hawks’ already-strong midfield will be bolstered by four incoming freshmen who will compete for playing time.
The Lehigh offense will once again be led by senior forward Evan Bruno. Bruno was an All-American as a junior, notching nine goals. Junior Doug Cusick, an All-League selection last year, battled through injuries and still finished tied for second on the squad, with six goals. Another junior, Steve Fisher, proved to be an integral cog in the Lehigh machine. The transfer from Lebanon Valley College primarily came off the bench last season, netting six goals for the Mountain Hawks – including four game-winners. Sophomore Kyle Hartman made an immediate impact in his debut campaign in a Mountain Hawks uniform, and big things are expected from him again this season. Overall, Lehigh returns 90% of its goals from last season, a troublesome fact for opponents. Freshman Peter Classi was a First Team All-New York selection, and will look to crack the Lehigh lineup.
Defensively, the Mountain Hawks appear to be as solid as ever. Last year’s defensive unit surrendered only 18 goals all season. Senior Matt Weick and junior Wes Roach will each play an important role in keeping the opposition away from the Lehigh net. Sophomores Brandon Smith and Elliot Leonard each had an excellent debut campaign, and will be relied upon even more this season. Leonard’s versatility proved vital, as he showed the flexibility to be effective in the midfield as well. Five freshmen join the Lehigh defense in hopes of keeping it among the league’s stingiest.
Once again, Lehigh will have Ryan Grzeszczak in net keeping the opponent’s offense in check. The senior has been excellent through his first three seasons in goal. Last year, Grzeszczak was a major factor in Lehigh keeping the opposition off the scoreboard eight times, including six matches in a row. Challenging Grzeszczak for playing time will be sophomore Sam Bishop and newcomer Jim Morahan. Last season, Bishop played very well in nearly 140 minutes of action. Morahan was an NSCAA All-American in high school, and was featured in Sports Illustrated.
Lehigh will play a very challenging schedule in 2002. In addition to a tough Patriot League slate, the Mountain Hawks will travel to North Carolina to battle Duke, and Lehigh will also play host to Penn State.
"It has gotten much tougher to win in the league in recent years," Koski explained. "The quality of play has gotten much better as a whole. We’ve gotten better, too, though, and we’re up to the challenge."
The Mountain Hawks will attempt to take advantage of their depth as they make an attempt to climb back into the national rankings, and return to the NCAA Tournament in 2002.
