DAYTON – The University of Dayton men's soccer program completed its 2017 spring season as the Flyers looked to carry over momentum from the fall campaign.

UD had mixed results this spring as the Flyers gave numerous players an opportunity to fill the roles left by the seven departing seniors. Dayton went 1-3-1 this spring against talented opposition. The Flyers started off the spring with a 2-2 draw against Bowling Green, before suffering three tough losses to Cincinnati, Kentucky, and professional team F.C. Cincinnati. The Flyers ended the spring on a high note however with a 4-1 thumping of Marshall.

The results were not necessarily what the coaching staff was hoping for, but the development and growth of the players showed as the spring went on.

Here are head coach Dennis Currier's thoughts on the spring season.

1. Overall, how did you feel about the team's performance throughout the spring season? 
WE HAD A SOLID SPRING.  WE ARE COMING OFF A FALL SEASON WHERE WE HAD TOO MANY LOWS SO THE CONSISTENCY WAS BETTER.  WE DID GO THROUGH A HANDFUL OF INJURIES SO WE DID NOT GET TO PLAY AT FULL STRENGTH UNTIL LATE IN THE SPRING AND THAT IS WHERE WE EXPERIENCED OUR MAIN SUCCESS IN TERMS OF RESULTS.

2. What were some strengths of the team? What are some areas you will focus on moving into the fall? 
THIS TEAM HAS TAKEN OUR PLAYING IDENTITY TO NEW HEIGHTS.  WHEN WE FIND OUR RYTHYM, WE ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE.  THE AREAS WE HAVE TO IMPROVE IS THE CONSISTENCY OF OUR GAME.  IT TAKES US AWHILE TO FIND THAT RYTHYM SO WE FIND OURSELVES CHASING GAMES INSTEAD OF IMPOSING OURSELVES ON THE OPPOSITION. 

3. Is there a highlight goal or key moment that stands out for you from the spring?
OUR BEST MOMENTS CAME AT THE END OF THE SPRING.  I FELT OUR SECOND HALF AGAINST FC CINCINNATI PRO TEAM WAS VERY STRONG.  WE CONNECTED A LOT OF PASSES AND WERE EFFECTIVE CREATING CHANCES.  WE TOOK THIS MOMENTUM INTO OUR LAST GAME AGAINST MARSHALL AND SCORED FOUR GOALS TO END THE SPRING.

4. Were there any players that surprised you or came on as the spring progressed? 
 IT WAS GREAT SEEING JAMES HAUPT GET BACK FROM INJURY.  HE NEEDED THIS TIME TO GET BACK INTO FORM AND YOU COULD SEE HIS PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE SPRING SEASON.   ALVARO NAVARRO WAS OUTSTANDING IN THE SPRING AND SHOWED A LOT MORE CONSISTENCY.  HE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME ONE OF THE TOP PLAYERS IN THE CONFERENCE.

5. What are your expectations of the team as we look towards the fall season?  
WE ENDED THE FALL SEASON PLAYING OUR BEST SOCCER OF THE YEAR.  IN OUR LAST FIVE GAMES OF PLAY, WE WERE ARGUABLY ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN THE A-10.  WE HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO START THE SEASON OFF STRONGER THAN LAST YEAR.  OUR SYSTEM REQUIRES A HIGH LEVEL OF FITNESS SO SUMMER WORK WILL BE CRITICAL.  IF THE TEAM RESPONDS WELL, THEN WE WILL BE KNOCKING AT THE DOOR FOR ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP.  HOWEVER, IT IS A FINE LINE AND IF WE FAIL TO COME IN PREPARED, THEN WE WILL BE BUILDING AGAIN FOR THE FUTURE.