Men's soccer: back from the dead

Team saved over summer through fundraising efforts of Valley Soccer Foundation

By John McHugh

The Fresno State men’s soccer team will host former Bulldogs in its annual alumni game Sunday.

The alumni game and the upcoming season were in doubt following the decision to cut men’s soccer funding last spring.

“ A resurgence of passion…an urgency for action” is the team’s new motto and refers to the financial problems that threatened the future of the men’s team. Financial cuts made to Fresno State’s athletic program put the future of men’s soccer at Bulldog Stadium in doubt.

That was until the Valley Soccer Foundation was founded to rebuild Fresno State’s soccer hopes. The organization, which was set up on behalf of the soccer community, has started to raise vital funds to secure the future of the sport at Fresno State. Seven-year head coach Dave Chesler was positive with the teams’ attitude following the financial problems.

“ After the financial problems, we only lost one player from our roster, which has improved the team’s morale,” Chesler said.

The Fresno State athletic department determined that $681,591 was needed to fund men’s soccer along with women’s swimming and diving. Valley Soccer Foundation was given a deadline of May 15 to cover the programs for this year.

Through planned fundraising activities, such as professional soccer exhibitions, golf tournaments and the community drive, phase one is complete and the men’s soccer program is safe for the start of season.

The Valley Soccer Foundation currently has around 500 members, though they need around 3,000 to reach the next target.

“ It’s a clear picture and the efforts being made are pretty extraordinary,” Chesler said.

Program's resurrection breeds optimism for second season in high-powered Pac-10

By John McHugh

The Fresno State men’s soccer team and its coach are optimistic about their chances in this season’s Pac-10 conference schedule.

The focus of the Bulldogs is the tough season and especially the Pac-10 schedule, as they are now in their second season competing in the six-team conference. Fresno State began its preseason with two narrow 1-0 losses, and losing is something the team wants to change come Sunday.

After last season’s overall record of 5-11-4, head coach Dave Chesler expects a lot more of Fresno State this time around.

“ The Pac-10 was a higher standard of soccer; it was a huge jump to playing the top ten, twenty teams in the U.S.,” Chesler said. One major problem was the lack of goals scored, only 17 in 20 matches, which leads to concerning questions about the Bulldog attack.

“ We’re not quite there yet, though in many games we out-shot and sometimes outplayed opponents,” Chesler said.

A lot is expected from the team captain, senior defender Niño Rivas.

“ Last season in the Pac-10 was a learning experience for the team,” Rivas said. “We played in quite a few close games, led at UCLA and tied with Stanford.”

As in any sport, the captain has an important role to play.

“ When I was appointed captain, I knew that players would look up to me, and I had to be able to concentrate on my own game, as well as help them.” Rivas said.

The strong defensive qualities of Fresno State provide Chesler with a solid platform upon which to build success. The Bulldogs had an impressive 1.39 goals against average last season, which the team will look to repeat.

One of the new defensive recruits is freshman Corey Sipus.

“ [Sipus] already added to the team in the first few matches. He’s a good player, strong in the air and plays simple out the back,” Chesler said.

Last season’s low scoring has increased expectations for the incoming freshman.

“ The goal-scoring problem has led to an ongoing search for new recruits,” Chesler said.

Freshman striker Albert Naugle led Golden West High to successive West Yosemite League titles and scored 39 goals to earn the league Offensive MVP honor.

“ [Naugle is] very direct, patient with the ball and can take people on,” Chesler said.

On his thoughts of the new season Naugle said, “Scoring goals isn’t an easy task. College soccer is completely different to the high school level I’ve been playing at. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Fresno State is hoping to continue its strength in the goalkeeping department. All-time leading saves maker, Jeremy Proud, now an assistant coach, has made way for sophomore goalkeeper Eric Kronberg, who patiently waited behind him last season.

“ [Kronberg] was outstanding against UC Irvine and kept the game close. A good technical goalkeeper, though especially a reaction player with good shot-stopping abilities,” Chesler said.

Fresno State has the sixth-best attendance in the country, with a total of 16,627 attending throughout the season. As the season approaches with the alumni game, the whole of the team and staff are hoping for the students’ support and for a successful season.