With the MIAC Athlete of the Week in the net and an explosive win over Gustavus in the bank, the St. Olaf men’s soccer team has started their season with authority and victory.

Goalie Kyle Trimble ‘05 made six saves to secure the victory for St. Olaf against the Gusties. For his efforts, Trimble was named MIAC Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week Sept. 23.

"We knew if we played good team defense it would put us in a position to win," defensive back Eric Steege ‘04 said.

The team is now 4-0 in conference play which places them above preseason predictions

"The minimal goal this season was to get the MIAC bid for a new tournament played with the top four teams of the conference" said Coach Kurt Anderson.

That goal may be set higher as the Oles have not lost a conference game.

"We started a little slow," Steege said. "But now we are figuring out each others playing styles and starting to mesh "

Anderson still remains cautious about the rest of the season. "There are some really good teams to come out of the MIAC in the past seven to eight years" Anderson said. "It’s tight because there are no weak ones in the conference."

With a strong group of returning players and some promising new talent, Anderson is pleased with the progress of the team. Trimble is a second year starting goalie, and Anderson finds him "Very comfortable and confident" in his role.

Mark Gilmer ‘04, a four-year starter, will continue to play his final year as a solid center mid-fielder. "Gilmer does a good job" Anderson said. "He’s a four-year starter who’s not so noticeable but helps the team function well on the field."

The emotional team leader is Steege, will play in the backfield this season with promising newcomer Andrew Gastineau.

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