Pioneers look to build on tournament appearance

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. –  Last year, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's soccer season was one of excitement, national recognition, and sheer competition between a number of nationally ranked powerhouses. Coach Enzo Fuschino looks to his team to pick up right where it left off with hopes of another chance at the NCAA playoffs.

"I'm excited about the strong core players we have returning," said Fuschino.

The Pioneers' 2017 season came to an end in the second round of the NCAA Championships at the hands of the soon to be national runner-up, North Park. Going 12-4-2, the Pioneers recorded their best season since making the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2012.  Having lost only three seniors, Coach Fuschino is confident his experienced squad will have what it takes to best their chances for the at-large bid come November.

"This is the largest senior class in while with seven seniors, and they know each season has different obstacles that we must overcome," said Fuschino. "I'm confident we have the right kind of players as long as we can stay healthy."

A key vacancy in the midfield comes from the loss of 2017 graduate and All-Region team captain, Jon Stopple. The team will look to a skilled pool of returners and strong incoming freshman class to find the balance in the middle and allow the next group of players to work and showcase their strengths and skill.

"I'm very excited about the incoming freshman class. We have a group of incoming quality players who will be able to make a significant contribution immediately," said Fuschino.  "This will add depth to our already strong returning class."

The Pioneers return 18 letterwinners and eight starters.  Senior forward Logan Rinderknecht - 2018 captain - will look to guide the skilled team as he returns from leading last season with 10 of the team's total 35 goals. Additional key returners include Tommy Bitter, Nick Hoklas, and keeper Nate Miller. Freshmen to watch include Mitch Reid, Boston Riley, Cristian Vitela and Noah Mesdjian, Fuschino said.

The Pioneers reported to campus on Aug. 17 and began practice the following day.  This year's schedule includes a number of match-ups against regionally and nationally recognized teams. Included in the robust 2018 schedule are Domincan (Ill.), Loras, Luther, and St. Norbert,  all of which finished top four in their respected region last season. The season will conclude with two matches that could potentially play a large role in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid with North Central arriving at UW-Platteville on Oct. 27 for Senior Day and the Pioneers traveling to the Warhawks of UW-Whitewater on Oct. 31 for the Shaymus Guinn Cup.

The Pioneers will play their first home game on Friday, Aug. 31 against Central at 2 p.m. A full schedule of the 2018 Pioneers' season can be found online at http://www.letsgopioneers.com/sports/msoc/2018-19/schedule