Aug. 14, 2009

Preseason Camp: Saint Louis, ranked 21st nationally in the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) preseason poll, begins two-a-day training sessions Saturday in preparation for the 2009 campaign.

About the Billikens: The Billikens return six starters and 15 total letterwinners from last year's club that finished 12-5-5 overall and 6-3-0 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. SLU qualified for its third straight NCAA Tournament and topped Drake 1-0 in the first round at Hermann Stadium. The 2008 season came to an end following a 2-0 defeat at Indiana in the second round.

On the Offensive: Seniors Kyle Hayes (11G, 5A) and Scott Wisniewski (10G, 7A) lead all returning players with 27 career points apiece. Hayes is the team's leading returning scorer from a year ago after he accumulated 16 points (6G, 4A). Senior Jimmy Holmes (nine career goals) also figures to be a key returning player who will contribute on the offensive side of the ball.

Getting Defensive: Senior All-Region performers Tim Ream and Rob Viviano return to a defense that ranked as one of the best in the nation. Last season, the Billikens led the Atlantic 10 Conference and ranked in the top 30 nationally in goals against average. In addition, the Billikens led the league in fewest goals allowed (18) and shutouts (11). Senior midfielders Josh Aranda and James Jaramillo, as well as sophomore Alex Johnston, also saw extensive playing time in the defensive third a year ago.

In the Nets: Perhaps one of the biggest competitions in preseason camp will occur in goal. The Billikens return senior Ross Kaufman, who played the majority of the 2006 and 2007 campaigns and boasts a 22-5-3 overall record and a 0.73 goals against average. He will be challenged by U-18 U.S. National Team pool player Mark Pais. Returning sophomore Lucas Dyer enters camp third on the Billikens' goalkeeper depth chart.

Ross Kaufman

Transfer Time: Mike Roach, who spent two seasons with the Indiana men's soccer program, has returned to his native St. Louis and will be eligible to compete for the Billikens this fall. After appearing in 18 matches for the Hoosiers in 2007, he took a redshirt season in 2008, thus giving him three years of eligibility with the Billikens. Junior Stephen Bortolon transferred into the program from St. Bonaventure last season and should see time in the midfield this year.

Drawing Praise: Saint Louis' 15-player incoming class was ranked 10th by Soccer America and 16th by CollegeSoccerNews.com. The Bills also placed a league-high four players on the Atlantic 10 Conference 2009 preseason All-Rookie team: Benny Estes, Nick Maglasang, Mark Pais and Alex Sweetin.

Polling Place: In preseason rankings, the Billikens come in at No. 21 in the NSCAA coaches' poll and No. 24 in the CollegeSoccerNews.com poll. Also ranked in the polls are the following Billiken opponents: No. 3/6 Akron, No. 14/12 Tulsa and No. RV/18 Dayton.

Dan's Day: Ninth-year head coach Dan Donigan enters the season with a 103-35-23 career record. His .711 win percentage makes him the fifth-winningest active head coach in the country. Donigan has led the Bills to the NCAA Tournament in six of his eight seasons at the helm. In the last three seasons combined, Donigan's Billikens have posted a 35-11-11 overall mark and a 22-4-1 ledger in A-10 regular-season games.

On the Sidelines: For the first time in school history, the Billikens will benefit from a full-time goalkeeper coach as Tim Kelly was brought on board this summer. Dave Beck returns for his fourth season, his first as the lead assistant, and former Billiken Brian Grazier is in his first season as senior graduate manager. In addition, U.S. National Team assistant coach Mike Sorber is again serving as a volunteer assistant coach.

James Jaramillo

Looking Ahead: The Billikens play a pair of exhibition matches, beginning Aug. 22 against Missouri State at Hermann Stadium. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. The Billikens then travel to face Memphis Aug. 26 in exhibition play before opening the regular season at home against New Mexico Sept. 1.

Tickets: Tickets for all men's soccer home games at Robert R. Hermann Stadium may be purchased at the ticket gate, by phone at (314) 977-4SLU or online at www.slubillikens.com. Prices for single-game tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for youth. Groups or teams of 20 or more receive discounted tickets for $3 apiece. SLU students with a valid SLU ID card receive free admission to all exhibition and regular-season home games.