UMBC Soccer Looks To Build On College Cup Experience
Posted on December 15, 2014 by Todd Karpovich
UMBC continued to establish itself as one of the nation's premier men's soccer programs with a remarkable run to the NCAA College Cup this season.
A 1-0 loss to the eventual national champion Virginia during the semifinals didn't dampen the program's success. But looking ahead to 2015, UMBC coach Pete Caringi will face one of his biggest challenges in his 25 years as he looks to replace a talented group of seniors
The UMBC men's soccer team celebrates its third straight America East championship. (Photo Credit: Brian Schneider/UMBC Athletics)
Caringi, however, has been a stellar recruiter and should have enough depth to make another run at the America East title and automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Retrievers' recent success has galvanized the local soccer community and the program will look to build even further on that support.
'The whole town got behind us,' Caringi said. 'Their enthusiasm says a lot about the school. It was an amazing run with an amazing group of players.'
Key LossesThe biggest setback for UMBC will be the departure of Oumar Ballo (Curley), who has established himself as one of the top defenders in the nation. Ballo was invited to the MLS Combine next month and could be a first-round pick.
Midfielder Mamadou Kansaye (McDonogh) is also a senior and could play professionally next season.
The back line will also lose Marquez Fernandez (McDonogh), a transfer from Maryland, and Spencer Williams, who started 24 games at right back. Jordan Becker, one of the team's leaders, will also graduate. He was proud of the way his career came to a conclusion.
'We know we proved a lot of people wrong to get this far,' Becker said.
Another key loss will be forward Kay Banjo, who came to the program after Towson discontinued men's soccer. He had eight goals and five assists during the regular season.
The Retrievers must also deal with the departure of two main cogs in the midfield in Geaton Caltabiano (Mount Saint Joseph) and Stephen Ho. Another solid midfielder, Michael DiCesare, played in 15 games and also graduates.
Who's Back?UMBC red-shirt sophomore goalkeeper Billy Heavner had a breakout year. After taking over the starting role in early September, Heavner led UMBC to an 11-1-3 record and ranked third in save percentage (84.7) and fourth in goals against average (0.50) in the nation. Heavner did not allow a goal in 400 minutes of NCAA tournament competition before Virginia scored in the first half of the semifinals.
Junior Malcolm Harris (McDonogh) started all 24 games and will lead the midfield. He scored the game-winner during the 1-0 victory at No. 4 Maryland in the NCAA tournament second-round game.
UMBC's Malcolm Harris (77) celebrates a goal against Maryland during the 2014 NCAA Tournament.
Photo Credit: Gail Burton/UMBC Athletic Communications
Redshirt freshman Gregg Hauck (North County) also emerged as a solid player this season. He earned the Ed Veit Award as the program's Most Outstanding Freshman. Hauck was also named the Most Outstanding Player in the America East Tournament.
Senior midfielder/defender Zach Wenger (Calvert Hall) was a medical redshirt this year and will return to play his final season next fall.
Also expected to be contributors are a solid group of midfielders who earned quality minutes this season,including:
* Michael Burgos -- 19 games
* Joe Glos (Perry Hall) -- 18 games
* Joe Pratt -- 18 games
* Michael Scott -- 25 games
Also, freshman defender Tom Paul, a native of England, is held in high regard. He started three matches but played behind Ballo and Fernandez.
What's Next?UMBC has played in four of the past five NCAA men's soccer tournaments and will remain competitive under Caringi. The Retrievers might be challenged early because of their youth, but they should grow and get better as the season unfolds. The program has great support from the student body, and the run to the College Cup will make them even more attractive to potential recruits.
In short, the future should remain bright.