Senior Nathan Swenson has scored a combined 15 goals over the last two seasons.

2009 St. Olaf men's soccer preview

Mike Ludwig
September 3, 2009

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The St. Olaf men's soccer team opens its 2009 season on Friday with optimism that an experienced, high-powered roster can lead the Oles towards the top of the MIAC standings.

The Oles' veteran roster includes almost 20 returners, including each of the top seven scorers. The 2008 Olesteam (2.06), but the season (10-7-1) was one of highs and lows. The 10-win campaign included conference wins over the likes of Gustavus and Macalester and non-conference victories over Luther, Chapman and Pomona-Pitzer. However, the Oles were 0-4-0 on the road in MIAC play and finished the league season 4-5-1.

Midfielders
This season the team will lean on its offense - paced by junior All-America candidate John Zietlow ý and a sturdier defense. Zietlow had a stellar campaign last fall collecting a league-best 39 points on 13 goals and 13 assists, which earned him All-Far West Region second team and All-MIAC honors.

Zietlow will stay in the midfield this season with other returners ý seniors Erik van Mechelen and Phil Kennedy and junior Tommy Van Wylen. Kennedy was second on the team with seven assists last year, while van Mechelen had two goals and two assists.

A crew of talented reserves, including Matt Fenske, Sam Harrington and Sean Legler will also contribute quality minutes.

Forwards
The forward spots will be held down, at the start of the season, by senior Nathan Swenson and sophomore transfer Blake Dressen. Swenson scored a career-high eight goals last year and added five assists for a 21-point season. He was an All-MIAC honorable mention pick for the second straight time. Dressen comes to St. Olaf after a one-year stint at Colby College, where he appeared in ten games. The Oles will also look to Logan Rathjen, who was third on the team in points in 2008 (five goals, one assist), Isaac Tut, Max Lund, and first year Jack Pueringer.

Backfield
The Oles' defensive unit will be led by Scott Crider, Tyler Wadsworth, Nathan Van Wylen and David Anderson. Crider was an All-MIAC honorable mention pick last fall.

Juniors Tyler Pieper and Ben Langholz could also be in the mix with first years Will Totimeh, Preben Bay, Andrew Cowley and Spencer Schubert.

Goalies
Alex Kuehl will likely start the team's opener on Friday. Kuehl was in 2008, splitting time. First year Harry Ullmann will also vie for the spot in net.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.