The BYU–Hawaii men’s soccer team kicked off their 2015 season with 4-0 a win in an exhibition match against visiting Westminster College from Pennsylvania.
The Seasiders dominated the first half scoring all four goals, three in the first 20 minutes.
The second half, the Seasiders got to display their team’s ability as a number of players came in off of the bench to close out the game and maintain the shut out.
Although they lost ten seniors last year, the Seasiders have come into this year hoping to build on their second place finish last year. Although they lost ten seniors last year, the Seasiders come into this season full of enthusiasm and confidence.
“I am very excited for this season,” said senior captain Abraham Garcia, a senior studying psychology from Santa Barbara, California. “This is a completely different squad with a lot of talent and desire to show that we can win a pac west conference.” Garcia, who started in all 17 games last year, returns to the starting line up to Seasider’s backline.
Returning senior captain Matthew Roberts and junior Jershon Baldomero will join him, along with junior Jaden Epplette and sophomore Mark Stanley, who will battle it out to for the starting keeper position.
Junior Pawel Dregan, who started 14 of the 17 games and finished with two assists and four goals, returns to lead the Seasiders offense. Alongside Dregan, Besser Davila and Peter Puertas return to the Seasider’s line-up. Puertas played for the Seasiders back in 2012 and returns from a LDS mission to Los Angeles, California.
The Seasiders have acquired additional talented transfers and incoming freshman. Kyle Jarvis transferred from Gilbert Community College and adds a strong presence in the center midfield. Nick Parker, from Pima Community College, comes in to help solidify the backline. Jake Mcrae, from Utah Valley University, adds some real pace and flair for the Seasiders’ offense.
“I have always dreamed of playing college soccer with 20+ guys that are just as dedicated as me,” said Mcrae, a junior business major from Kaysville, Utah. “I love the feeling of being part of a brotherhood and I fully plan on making it into the tournament and a solid run at the national title.”
Mason Reid and Connor Miles lead this year’s freshman class. Their work will be cut out for them as they face a very competitive conference including tough road conference games with California Baptist, Azusa University, Concordia Irvine, and Point Loma.
Even though they were picked to finish this year in 6th place in the conference, the Seasiders maintain their confidence and enthusiasm.
“This program has been one of the top programs in the conference over these past two year only losing five conference games out of 26,” said Head Coach Mark Davis. “We believe that this year’s team can take us to that next level of winning a conference championship and going to the national tournament.”
The Seasiders will official start their season as they face visiting Northwest Nazarene in a preseason matchup Tuesday, September 8 at 2 p.m. at the soccer field.