With a record last year of 9-8-3, the Oberlin College men’s soccer has much to improve upon as the fall 2005 season begins. The Yeomen will be battling to improve upon their fifth place NCAC finish of last year.

Returning this season, along with last season’s leading scorer senior Josh Treuhaft are senior captain Evan Childress and junior captain David Wilson. The veteran leadership should provide confidence against all opponents. The depth of this year’s first-years should also play a big role in the Yeomen’s success.

Already five non-conference games into the season, the Yeomen continue to strive for success. Head Coach Blake New had much to smile about as the men’s soccer team picked up their first win of the season on Sept. 10 over Manchester College, with a final score of 2-1.

However, three nights later, the Yeomen faced a tough 3-1 loss against Case Western Reserve.

The Spartans scored two goals in the first half, one with only one minute left in the stanza. Childress had an unassisted goal, making the score 2-1 Case at the half.

“We were doing all the right things, we needed to be more aggressive on offense and defense, we just needed to finish,” said New. “Case scored on defensive mistakes on our part.”

Despite the loss, New has a positive outlook on the season.

“Talent-wise we have the best team [we’ve] had in a number of years. Right now we have a ton of potential that hasn’t been realized.”