Men's Soccer 1997 Season in Review

The Pioneer men's soccer season came to a close on November 8. The season ended with a loss but the season itself was a success. The Pioneers ended with a 12-8 record the best record since 1993. First year coach Ray Smith along with retiring head coach Fred Eberlin took a relatively young and inexperienced team and made them into a contender.

The Pioneer defense which was the worry at the begining of the season proved to be one the schools best defenses ever. Sophomore goalie Chris Robbins tied the school record for shutouts in a season this year with eight. The Pioneer attack was lead by a pair of senior midfielders Jared Burdick who lead the team in goals (16), assists (7), and points (39), and Jeff Knippel who finished with three goals and six assists. Coach Ray Smith will look to add some key recruits to his strong nucleus of returning players as they shoot for the 1998 NCAA playoffs.

The UWP men's soccer team continued its road trip as the traveled to Aurora to battle with the number 8 ranked team in the region. The troubles continued for the Pioneers as they struggle to follow their game plan. The Pioneers jumped out to a lead in the 33rd minute as junior forward Sasha Verbitsky found Jared Burdick for his 6th goal of the season. The Pioneers held off the continued attack from Aurora but it wouldn't last. In the 74th minute Aurora wo uld score to even it up at 1-1. Then nine minutes later the Pioneers were called for a hand ball in the box giving Aurora a penalty kick for the game winning goal. The Pioneers fell short 2-1 dropping them to 5-4 this season.

The Pioneers suffered a huge loss in the St. Norbert game as tri-captain Brian Hagen broke his foot. This would prove to be only the begining of bad things to come for the Pioneers as they traveled to Beloit on the 26th. This was a defensive battle as both team s struggled to find the back of the net. It wouldn't be until late in the second half when the scoring would start and end in one play. Beloit scored and held on for a 1-0 win over the Pioneers.

The Pioneers men's soccer team has visited St. Norbert College on the 20th and came up victorious 3-0. The Platteville offense was sparked by senior forwards Brian Hagen and Jared Burdick. Burdick started the scoring in the 34th minute heading in the ball served up by Hagen. Then in the 49 th minute Hagen scored unassisted as he stole a pass from the St. Norbert keeper and beat him one on one. Then in the 86th minute Burdick returned the favor to Hagen for his 6th goal of the season. For the fourth time this year tri-captain Eric Engel's defense held strong picking up another shut out. Sophmore goalie Chris Robbins had 10 saves for the Pioneer's who are now 5-2.

The UW-Platteville men's soccer team hosted St. Ambrose University on Wednesday afternoon and they were a very p olite host giving the Fighting Bees a win. The Pioneer's offense struggled as they had the ball many times in the box but were just unable to get off good shots. The Pioneer defense struggled as well giving up 13 shots on goal. The Pioneer's travel to Green Bay this weekend to play St. Norbert College who is 1-2. They Pioneer's will be seeking win number 200 for head coach Fred Eberlein.

The UW-Platteville soccer team played host to Grinnell College on Sunday. The Pioneers started of f a little slow but they showed signs of life in the 66th minute when senior forward Jeff Knippel blasted a shot, from 25 yards out, right past the Grinnell keeper, to put the good guys on top for good. Then in the 88th minute senior forward Brian Hagen worked his magic beating three defenders and the keeper to find a wide open BJ Grass for the Pioneers second goal. Senior forward Jared Burdick recorded his team high third assist on Knippel's goal. The Pioneer defense anchored by senior sweeper Eric Engel and Soph. goalie Chris Robbins held strong for the second straight game. The 2-0 win put the Pioneers at 4-1.

The UW-Platteville soccer team beat host St. Mary's 2-0 Saturday afternoon, knocking St. Mary's from the ranks of the unbeaten. Jared Burdick and Brian Hagen had second-half goals for UWP, who improved to 3-1 overall. The Pioneers return to the field Sunday against Grinnell at 2 p.m. in the UWP Soccer Bowl.

The UW-Platteville men's soccer team traveled to Ohio last weekend to battle with two of the top teams in the nation. Their first game was against Ohio Wesleyan who proved to be just a little more than the Pioneers could handle as they came up on the short end of a 3-0 score. Pioneer goalie Chris Robbins faced 21 shots while the Poineer offense struggled to get off only five shots.

The next night the Poineers' came out ready to redeem themselves against nationally ranked Wittenberg College. It took only minutes for UWP senior forward Jared Burd ick to net the first of his two goals. Burdick also recorded an assist in the match to senior forward Brian Hagen, who like Burdick had two goals and an assist. The Poineers' proved to be to much for Wittenberg, winning 4-2. This marked the first time that the men's team has beaten a nationally ranked opponent. Both Burdick and Hagen were recognized for their excellent play as members of the all tournament team. The win was the 197th of coach Fred Eberlein's career.

The Platteville men 's soccer team won its 1997 opener 2-1 over Coe at the Pioneer Soccer Bowl Aug. 31. Jared Burdick rifled home a shot in front of the net with 7:15 remaining for the game-winner. Brian Hagen scored in the first half on a direct kick for the Pioneers, who travel to the Ohio Wesleyan tournament this weekend. The victory was the 196th in Fred Eberlein's career. The veteran coach will retire after this, his 25th year.