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With a majority of the Bulldog offense returning this season, one might think head coach Duke Cochran would focus more on the defensive side of the field. However, this fall is business as usual for the men's soccer team.
"We have plenty of guys this season that have experience," Cochran said. "They've just been waiting to get on the field because they had some very experienced seniors in front of them."
Those experienced 2009-seniors included Drew Pauk, Ben Green and Matt Taylor. Their work in the backfield last season earned Truman the 10th ranked defense in NCAA Div. II.
Senior midfielder Scott Biggerstaff will move to the backfield this season. Cochran said Biggerstaff is a good left-footed attacker, and the formation will adjust so he still can move forward if needed. Cochran said junior midfielder Matt Sanderson probably will be on the right side.
"[Sanderson] is more of a midfielder," Cochran said. "But in the modern game, a wide backfielder is like the wide midfielders of 10 years ago."
Besides Biggerstaff and Sanderson, Cochran said the defense mostly will consist of teammates who have been next in line for the positions. Redshirt freshman Matt Langley and sophomore Ben Hasse have both redshirted in previous years, and Cochran said he expects them to be very vocal in helping to organize the back.
Cochran said two freshmen to watch for in the backfield are Joseph Ryken and Will Hirsch. Ryken has proven he can play almost anywhere across the backfield and Hirsch seems to be more well-suited near the middle-back, Cochran said.
Senior midfielder Dan Meagher said he's seen a lot of his teammates stepping up during practice and the preseason this fall. Meagher said there is a good mix of freshmen and redshirts competing in the backfield for playing time.
"It's a young back[field], but they're working their way in," Meagher said.
Another thing going for the 'Dogs defense this fall is a seasoned goalkeeper. Sophomore keeper Tyler Knierim had 37 recorded saves last season and a .841 save percentage. Meagher said he thinks Knierim will do well this season.
"He got to play with those older guys last year," Meagher said. "Now he needs to become that older guy — that leader in the back that's going to help those guys out in front of him."
Assistant coach Joe Nick said the team is running a 4-3-3 formation with four defenders in the backfield. Nick said Biggerstaff and Sanderson on the left and right sides still will be a benefit offensively.
"If they can get forward — and they will get forward — they're going to be a vital part of our attack," Nick said. "That's how the formation is set up, that's hopefully how it will play out."
Nick said the first four games will be the biggest tests for the 'Dogs defense. The 'Dogs will face rival Drury University (Mo.), as well as Fort Lewis (Colo.) University, the defending Div. II champion. The Bulldogs kick off their season 4 p.m. Friday against St. Edward's (Texas) at home.
Cochran said that without a conference for men's soccer in the MIAA, making the schedule is one of his most difficult jobs. He said while this year's schedule might appear tougher than usual, it's not unrealistic or much different than previous seasons.
"Truman soccer is Truman soccer," Cochran said. "The schedule, I think, just starts off a little more difficult, from there it's similar … In Truman history you'll see we try to play the best teams possible."
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