ELON, N.C. – The Elon men’s soccer team competed against two professional teams and two Atlantic Coast Conference squads during its 2011 spring season. The Phoenix uses the offseason to prepare for the fall when Elon will have 22 players from last year’s team that produced a 2-1-3 record against teams that advanced to the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Elon head coach Darren Powell offered some thoughts on his team’s spring training.

Spring Results
Elon vs. Wilmington Hammerheads, L, 4-0
Elon vs. Lenoir Rhyne, L, 2-1 (Goal: Denzel Ogunyase, Assist: Tony Pusateri)
Elon vs. Campbell, T, 0-0
Elon vs. UNC, L, 3-1 (Goal: Gabe Latigue, Assist: Ogunyase)
Elon vs. Sports ED (England), W, 2-1 (Goal: Latigue, Goal: Drew Gardner, Assist: Daniel Lovitz)
Elon vs. NC State, W, 2-1 (Goal: Latigue, Assist: Lovitz, Goal: Archie Karpeh, Assist: Jason Waterman)
Elon vs. Carolina RailHawks, T, 2-2 (Goal: Chris Thomas, Assist: Latigue, Goal: Latigue)

What are the benefits of the spring season?

The spring is a very important component for our program. On the field we are able to teach different systems of play and explore different options with our players without the added pressure of winning and losing games. We obviously still aim to win all of our matches, as it is a good indicator of where our program is at currently. We are also able to focus on getting stronger and gaining flexibility in the weight room — Coach McCallister has certainly helped with that this spring.

What are the challenges of the spring season?

Our players are very motivated and enjoy and understand the spring, but it is challenging not to have those competitive matches on a regular basis. Ideally, players and coaches would enjoy competitive matches all year. But, our team is focused on the big goals and understands the spring as preparation for the fall.

Were there individuals that stood out as the spring progressed?

Our defensive unit let by Austen King and Nick Butterly improved again as the spring went on. Our center midfield will be very competitive as we have three returning to that position — Drew Gardner, James Carroll and Nick Millington. Out wide, Denzel Ogunyase and Danny Lovitz again looked like they could be exciting players in the fall if they continue to improve in their roles. Up front in the absence of Chris Thomas, Gabe Latigue was the leading goal scorer this spring. He and Archie Karpeh formed a good partnership that will allow more attacking options in the fall. We used three different goalkeepers this spring — Jordan Neuhauser, Reed Dillard and Nathan Dean. It remains an interesting battle for the number one spot in the fall.

How did you feel about the progression of the team over the spring season?

We started against the Hammerheads and were physically unable to compete, but as the spring wore on we improved physically and in sharpness of play. Due to the weather, we were forced to play our final two games in a two-day span to close the spring. We showed good spirit and application to beat NC State, 2-1, and tie a very good Carolina RailHawks team, 2-2. All that being said, our coaches and players feel very optimistic about the fall.

How do you think the incoming freshmen will fit with this group?

We are excited to have a group of newcomers that could not only provide depth at several positions but also have the ability to contribute from day one.

Do you have any updates on Steven Kinney ’09?

I spoke with Steven recently and he is progressing well and hopes to be back playing with the Chicago Fire in July sometime at the latest. He has been following a strict rehabilitation program after suffering an Achilles injury against San Jose in the last game of the season last year.

Recent story on Kinney from the Chicago Fire

How is Clint Irwin '10 doing after recently signing a pro contract?

We are very excited for Clint to make his pro debut in the Canadian Professional League this upcoming weekend. We hope to see him play in the near future.