Dayton Flyers

Aug. 20, 2004

The University of Dayton men's soccer team, coming off a 12-5-2 season in 2003, will take to Baujan Field against the Cincinnati Bearcats, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Head coach Dave Schureck and his Flyers return 18 players from last year's squad, including seven starters, led by Preseason All-Atlantic 10 picks Chris Rolfe and Tye Stebbins.

Rolfe played in just 10 games last year, fighting a muscle injury all season long. But the 2003 pre-season All-Conference pick led UD in regular season scoring with four goals and five assists for 13 points. He finished tied for sixth in the Atlantic 10 in assists and registered a point in seven of his nine starts. Rolfe's per game averages would have placed him third in the A-10 in points per game (1.3), seventh in goals per game (0.4) and first in assists per game (0.5) if he qualified in those categories.

Stebbins started all 19 games last season for the Flyers, including one at defender, and tied with Rolfe in scoring with four goals and five assists for 13 points. The 2003 Academic All-District IV Team member earned a spot on the Mussellman Hotels Classic All-Tournament Team for his performance against Wisconsin-Milwaukee and host Louisville.

Another starter returning is defender Dasan Robinson, who slides into the middle of the backline, replacing Denny Clanton. Clanton was drafted in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft and signed with the Chicago Fire of the country's highest professional league. Also returning are starters Nate Darr and Ian Mulligan on defense and George Nanchoff and Dan Hartwig in the midfield.

Coach Schureck is at the helm for his fifth year, hoping to guide his team into the NCAA Tournament after sitting just outside the tournament field in 2003 and 2000.

He'll have nine newcomers to the Flyers' roster this season including freshman Aaron Swanson and Chad Tetirick who were named to the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Rookie team.

The Flyers also add transfer Omar Jarun to the front line this season after the 6-5 forward left Memphis for Dayton. He tallied six goals and an assist for the Tigers last year.

After Saturday's exhibition, Dayton will play another friendly, next weekend at Western Kentucky. The Flyers' regular season begins September 3 at Wisconsin. UD returns home to Baujan Field on September 17 to face Wright State at home.