The training camp portion of these reports are now over. When the games begin, the stories stats and home-match pictures will be posted on the main soccer page. Thank you for reading this preseason.

Posted August 26, 2008

As an all-state player in 2007, Tyler Holle is used to getting attention on the UW-Platteville men's soccer team. Today, though, the tables were turned on the junior from Bettendorf, and he was asked to play reporter.

Holle interviewed Tyrone "TC" Creech, a freshman from Madison East.

T.H. - "So, T.C, as one of the up and coming new recruits, what do you think of the season so far?"

T.C. - "I think it's been pretty good so far. I think we're going to have a good season."

T.H. - "What do you think of all the incoming freshmen?"

T.C. - "I think they're pretty strong, and they bring good things to the program."

T.H. - "What game are you looking forward to most on the schedule this year?"

T.C. - "Loras, the first game."

T.H. - "What do you expect from that game?"

T.C. - "I think it will be a tough game, but we hope to get a W."

Ben Terpening is usually front and center of the action

Posted August 25, 2008

UW-Platteville's Enzo Fuschino is not a chemist, but senior Ben Terpening thinks the second-year coach has put together a perfect mixture of veteran and freshmen players.

"We're looking real strong," he said. "We have a few freshmen who should be able to come in and perform well."

The Pioneers return nine starters from last year's 12-6-1 team, and the returners are bolstered by a first-year class that is ready to contribute immediately. The team depth is a strength, according to Terpening, from Waunakee.

"I see speed and the knowledge of soccer, knowing how to play the ball around, knock the ball around and keep possession of the ball," he said.

That speed is even more important on the turf at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium, where the Pioneers recorded the first undefeated home record in 43 years. That mark is something the Pioneers are well aware.

"We definitely do," he said. "We have a lot more home games, so hopefully we can continue to be undefeated at home. I like playing in front of the crowds, and it's a good atmosphere here."

Terpening has given the home folks plenty to cheer about in his three years, scoring 28 goals with 23 assists. He earned all-North Central Region Second Team honors after an 11-goal, 10-assist junior season. He sees his 2008 role much the same.

"Hopefully it will be the same as the last couple of years, scoring goals, helping people out and playing balls across the middle to get some scoring opportunities from on top" he said.

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Please note: NCAA rules prohibit the reporting of any scrimmages against outside competition. Once games start for real, we will have full reports on-line.

Erik Anderson works during Wednesday's practice

Posted August 21, 2008

This week, the UW-Platteville men's soccer players are trying to prove they belong on the team, as 62 players are vying for the 28 spots. Come next week, when the team is selected, the Pioneers have something else to prove, according to senior Erik Anderson.

"Everyone really wants to show we should have been in the NCAA tournament last year," the Lakeville, Minn. native said. "That's probably our biggest asset, our determination to prove ourselves."

The Pioneers were 12-6-1 last season, with a win over tournament team UW-Oshkosh and an overtime loss to UW-Whitewater, another playoff team. UWP will get the chance to prove itself right off the bat, opening against last year's top-ranked team, Loras. The Pioneers and Duhawks square off Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. in Platteville.

"The first three games are huge, with Loras, Carleton (Sept. 4) and Grinnell (Sept. 6)," Anderson said. "That will be a big challenge to see how we wind up."

All three of those contests are at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium, where the Pioneers were 7-0 last year, the first undefeated home record in the program's 43-year history.

"To have a home-field advantage really means a lot to us," Anderson said. "A lot of teams don't play on turf, so with our speed of play, we can catch a lot of teams by surprise."

So far, Anderson likes what he sees of the 2008 Pioneers.

"No matter who makes the team, I think we will be a really deep team," he said. "Everyone looks good."

Posted August 20, 2008

When the UW-Platteville men's soccer team gathered for training camp Monday, it looked much like last year's training camp, with 62 players trying out. When the Pioneers started practicing, the change from last year was quickly evident to second-year coach Enzo Fuschino.

"The numbers may be the same as last year, but quality-wise we're better," he said. "We have a good group trying out, a talented group. It won't be easy making decisions. I'm also pretty happy with the shape they came in. The returning guys worked pretty hard over the summer."

The Pioneers return 21 lettermen and nine starters from last year's 12-6-1 team, but those returners are being pushed by a talented group of newcomers.

"Competition helps a lot, and the good thing is we have competition at every position," Fuschino said. "Nobody can rest."

By Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rules, only 28 players make the final roster. (Even though men's soccer is not a WIAC-sponsored sport, conference rules still apply.) So by what does Fuzchino judge a potential player?

"I'm looking at several things," the coach said. "The first thing I look at as a coach is their skills. Can they play? I'm also looking at their fitness level. Finally, I look at their attitudes. Are they good kids? Are they going to work hard all year long? Do they have positive energy? Those are the three main ingredients that I look at. So far, most of them have those, which makes it much more difficult. Those are also the things I look for when I recruit, so I knew most of the kids already have that."

The final squad will be determined by this weekend. The Pioneers open play Tuesday, Sept. 2 vs. Loras at 7 p.m. in Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.