Volume CXXXIII, Number 1 September 7, 2001 f

Men's soccer: Ready to rumble
CHRIS SAUNDERS
Staff Writer

Tomorrow, the 2001 version of the Bowdoin Men's Soccer Team travels to Trinity College for their first match of the year. Coming off the best record in school history (14-2-2), this year's squad boasts a group of solid veterans and a stellar new class of first-year recruits. Lost to graduation were four seniors who played major roles in the 2000 campaign, leading Bowdoin to the ECAC championship game.

The men's soccer team stretches before a practice. (John Korstan Moran, Bowdoin Orient)

While last year's seniors will be missed, the overriding feeling among returning players is that the 2001 squad is more technically skilled than last year, and has even improved in some defensive positions that were already outstanding.
On the offensive side of the pitch, senior striker David Bulow will bring back his seemingly natural touch and scoring ability that some Bowdoin faithful have likened to both Celtic Henrik Larsson and Liverpool's Michael Owen.

Speaking on the success of last year, Bulow highlighted Bowdoin's ability to capitalize on other team's mistakes and then shut them down.

Senior captain Patrick Bracewell supported Bulow's sentiment, saying, "Much of our success last year came from our ability to minimize mistakes, and we need to do the same this year."

A major force behind Bowdoin's solid play was the stellar performance of goaltender Travis Derr '04. The netminder recorded eleven shutouts last season, and posted a goals-against average (0.611) that was fourth best in the nation.

These three outstanding athletes will be joined by more-than-capable captains Reeves Livesay '01 and Kevin Folan '03, as well as the gritty and talented Conor Dowley '02 and Jeff Corsetti '02.

Saturday's match against Trinity will not only be the first test in a regular season packed with tough opponents, but also marks the first game versus another NESCAC team.

This year's NESCAC schedule, as usual, pits Bowdoin against nine other dangerous squads.

Key games will come when Bowdoin looks to deal payback to nationally-ranked teams like Willliams on September 15 and Middlebury one week later.
Bowdoin fans can expect a grudge match against Williams, the only squad to hand Bowdoin a defeat during last year's NESCAC regular season.

Middlebury routinely showcases talented teams, and was responsible for keeping Bowdoin out of the NCAA tournament, squeaking by them on penalty kicks in the semifinal of last season's NESCAC championship.

Beyond NESCAC, Bowdoin has upgraded its schedule this year, dropping the always-spirited but seldom competitive game against Maine Maritime in favor of the nationally-ranked Wheaton College.

Tomorrow's matchup with the Bantams from Trinity promises to be grueling, but there will be little rest for the team. The Polar Bears return home to face off against Babson College at 2:00 the next day in a big opening weekend. Best of luck men, GO U BEARS!