DEARBORN, Mich. - The 2018 University of Michigan-Dearborn men's soccer team has much to look forward to as the Wolverines look to build off of last year's five-win season.
"The expectation is to be competitive every game," fifth-year head coach Matt Quirk said. "The goal is to keep moving toward the top half of the conference."
Quirk keyed in on two important factors that will allow his latest group of Wolverines to improve.
"Our willingness and ability to advance the ball and get the ball forward and our ability to defend in our 18-yard box."
Furthermore, the Wolverines have more options up front that will give a new look to the UM-Dearborn offense. Quirk said he has pure strikers at the forward positions, which he is hoping will translate into goals this season.
What You Need to Know
- The five wins in 2017 were the most under Quirk at UM-Dearborn.
- The Wolverines roster boasts 11 incoming freshmen.
- Joseph Georgic and Mark Dawson have been selected as co-captains for this season.
- All home games will be played at Gabriel Richard High School in Riverview, Mich.
- Men's soccer will once again kick off the 2018-19 athletics season at UM-Dearborn with its first home game against Georgetown College (Ky.) at 7 pm tomorrow.
Key Returners
Joseph Georgic: Quirk said Georgic is "one of our best players." The senior looks to build off of last year's performance which saw him net one goal and add one assist in 15 starts. He turned heads in conference play and was honored with a spot on the WHAC All-Newcomer Team.
Mark Dawson and Luke Baker: The two defenders were the only players to start in all 16 games for the Wolverines in 2017. Dawson provides leadership and a calming presence on the back line, while Baker provides the Wolverines not only with great defensive support but an eye for the opposing net as well.
Ali Khcheiche: The returning sophomore began his career with a bang last year after scoring a hat-trick in the opening game. With the Wolverines down 3-0, Khcheiche entered the contest off the bench and scored the final three goals of the game to both erase the deficit, scoring the game-winner in the final seconds of the second overtime period. Khcheiche added three more goals, to lead the Wolverines with six.
Fresh Faces
Alex Siluk - The first year goalkeeper will have an immediate chance for time in the net for the Wolverines. Quirk said Siluk has been impressive in training camp this season.
Jack Barnett - The true freshman earned Macomb Area Conference Red Division All-League honors a season ago with Dakota High School and will look to add offensive power to the Wolverines forward group.
Daniel Oliver - A defender, Oliver was named to the Macomb Area Conference Gold Division All-League team. Oliver will challenge for starter's minutes from the start of the season.
Schedule at a Glance
Following tomorrow's opener, the Wolverines will play four straight road games with stops at NCAA Division III schools Adrian College and Kalamazoo College. The Wolverines open Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference play with two home games Starting with Lourdes University on Sept. 22. Senior Night will take place against the University of Northwestern Ohio on Oct. 20 before the regular season closes out with two games on the road.
