2000 Men's Soccer Outlook

All but five regulars return for the Trinity College men's soccer team in 2000, which finished the 1999 season with the College's highest-ever win-total at 13-4 record and reached its third consecutive final of an ECAC Division III Tournament. The Bantams, under Head Coach Ed Mighten (11th season), defeated Plymouth State, 2-0, in the opening game, and downed Amherst, 3-2 in overtime. Trinity then lost, 3-1, at top-seeded Middlebury in the finals. That experience and the maturity of the underclassmen should result in another spectacular soccer season for the Bantams.

Mighten has plenty of reason to be optimistic offensively, with the return of five quality forwards. Senior tri-captain Brett MacQuarrie and sophomore Morgan Sandell scored 17 of Trinity's 41 goals in 1999. Sandell led the team with nine goals and six assists, while MacQuarrie scored eight goals with two assists.  Sophomore Stuart Poole has shown potential in the past two seasons, while junior Peter Zoppi, who is a starter in the midfield, was a proven, scoring forward as a freshman in 1998.

Trinity will have depth in the midfield, although three regulars including All-American Dan Rudolph were lost to graduation.  Four players with varsity starting experience return to the squad, led by senior tri-captain Caley Iandiorio.  Iandiorio had a goal and team-high 10 assist last fall and has been an all-league player in his career.  Classmates Mickey Chambers, Steven Rovithus, and Peter Trimble are proven veterans who have won post-season games in each year of their intercollegiate careers. 

Defense will once again be the strength of the squad, as five solid veterans return, including All-New England and all-league sophomore back Phil Flakes.  Seniors David Pimentel and Valentin Toth have all been starters in their Bantam careers.  Pimentel started 16 of 17 games in 1999, while Toth has started in all three of his previous seasons at sweeper.  Trimble may also be a factor on defense, while junior back Josh Merkel has potential.

Senior tri-captain Tom Hambrick-Stowe returns for his fourth season as Bantam starter in goal. Hambrick-Stowe has enjoyed a fine career, recording a 1.11 GAA and a College-record 14 shutouts in 42 starets.  Stowe, who notched 80 saves, eight shutouts, and a 0.93 GAA in 1999, was an All-New England and an all-league selection last fall.  Trinity will once again face a rigorous schedule, but the goal of winning the inaugural NESCAC Championship Tournament is within reach.