Aug. 29, 2002
2002 Schedule
Underdogs no more. With a combination of seasoned veterans and talented rookies, the 2002 season could hold all the pieces the UNLV men's soccer team needs to finish on top of the pack.
The Rebels play to win and every year, the goal remains the same - win the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship title to earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. To make it a reality, the team will look to improve on last year's 8-8-2 performance and elevate their game to the next level.
FORWARDS
Replacing former Rebel frontman Jason Melendez, who finished his four-year career ranked sixth all-time in scoring, should not be difficult. Seniors Tuomas Talvio (Helsinki, Finland) and Kelly Frederick (St. John's, Antigua) return to the lineup and contributed to 30 percent of the Rebels scoring last season. Frederick, who tied as the team's second leading scorer last season with 16 points, should have a similar year up front. Talvio, the fastest player on the team, should be able to use his speed to beat out defenders to the goal. Junior Ryan Cochrane (Woodinville, Wash.), another returning veteran front line specialist, should also see more playing time as a starter.
A pair of junior transfers will also help in the attack. Leandro Iocco (Rosario, Argentina) and Espen Sjoevoll (Heimdal, Norway) hold lofty credentials and are known for scoring. Iocco, one of the top junior college players on the West Coast, was a two-time Conference Player of the Year while at Canada College in Redwood City, Calif. Sjoevoll ranked in the top 10 nationally for points and goals scored while at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. Both will be looked upon for immediate impact.
Freshmen Salvatore Wise (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), Jordan Brent (North Royalton, Ohio), Matt Tompkins (Bend, Ore.) and sophomore transfer Dave Isleib (Park City, Utah) will vie for playing time throughout the season.
MIDFIELD
All-MPSF second team selection Alex Hernandez (Indio, Calif.) and sophomore Brendon Bain (Beaverton, Ore.) return to the center park. Hernandez, UNLV's go-to-man, led the team in goals scored (8) last season and had four game-winners. He also tied Frederick as the team's second leading scorer with 16 points. Hernandez will provide the Rebels with an offensive and defensive player in the middle. Bain, who received the most playing time out of all freshman last year, should provide the midfield with options, being able to play in any position asked. Along with sophomore Boomer Arbelaez (Las Vegas), a former Gatorade and Nevada State Player of the Year and transfer from USF, Hernandez and Bain will be able to create one of the strongest positions on the field for the Rebels.
Rookies Rod Dyachenko (Vancouver, Wash.), Matt Harris (Portland, Ore.) and Mark Stock (Tigard, Ore.) should step up and be legitimate contenders for starting time.
DEFENSE
Four veterans return to the defense with one newcomer to the crew. Seniors Reggie Bolden (Jacksonville, Ark.) and Ben Hooker (Victoria, British Columbia), UNLV's top returning defenders, bring experience and aggressiveness to the backline. Hooker will play primarily at the sweeper position, while Bolden possesses speed which gives him opportunities to score.
Sophomores Kristian Paananen (Espoo, Finland) and Chris Henderson (Henderson, Nev.) are good attackers of the ball and will see more starting time this season with the graduation of Andrew Hooker and Kevin Lunkwitz. Freshman Jon Dunning (Hudson, Ohio) will also be depended on for additional support in the back.
GOALKEEPERS
Senior Justin Dennis (Scottsdale, Ariz.) returns for duties between the posts after posting a team best 1.82 GAA last season. The Rebels' top goalkeeper will be in a huge leadership role with five newcomers under his belt. Freshmen Peter Clitheroe (Cheshire, England), Brian Galvin (Cincinnati, Ohio), Ben Stollerman (Park City, Utah), Zach Smith (Denver, Colo.) and sophomore walk-on Chris Scott (Corinth, Texas) will vie for backup time behind Dennis. Clitheroe is one-of-three international newcomers to the team. Galvin could find himself in a permanent spot in the rotation coming in as one of the top goalkeepers out of the state of Ohio.
SCHEDULE
The 2002 schedule will be challenging as ever with three opponents who advanced to last year's NCAA Men's College Cup. However, this will not effect the Rebels, as they look to play one game at a time. Revenge will be on the minds of some of their opponents, especially in its biggest game of the year playing East Coast powers Connecticut and Boston College on the road. Dates with Marshall, Evansville, Central Florida, Hofstra and Saint Mary's College will also provide tough non-conference competition in preparation for conference play. UNLV has high expectations of its MPSF competition, looking toward rematches against league rivals Air Force, Denver and defending league champions New Mexico.
