A look at the 2011 men's soccer schedule

I told you all this wasn't just about basketball.


Last year was disappointing to say the least. After a fairly successful 2009 season, the 2010 year never really materialized. The Patriots finished with a 4-5-2 mark in the CAA, good for seventh place. Six teams make the playoffs. The team just could not find any way to beat teams higher than themselves in the standings. 


From covering the team myself, which I hope to do a lot more of this year, Victor Freeman's absence during the 5-game winless streak basically killed the season. Even though there was a statistical chance that they could make the postseason, a double-overtime loss killed those chances. So hopefully, they are out for blood this year.


Head Coach Greg Andrulis is excited: 

"The 2011 schedule is extremely exciting on many levels," said Mason head coach Greg Andrulis. "First we maintain our philosophy of challenging ourselves with the best possible non-conference schedule that features Top 20 teams with NCAA tournament experience. Second, we are able to provide our team and fans with quality home games against nationally-recognized opponents. And third, we have a schedule that will help prepare the team for a very strong conference schedule. On paper the 2011 schedule appears to be one of the most exciting and challenging schedules for Mason soccer in recent history."

The first big thing for the Patriots is the D.C. College Cup, hosted in Fairfax, with American, GW and Howard all participating. The Patriots took both games last year with a 3-1 winner over GW and a 1-0 win over American. Hopefully this can get the season off on the right foot again.


Only one of the five conference losses can be avenged in Fairfax. And that's Drexel. Sorry fans. You might have to take a little trip to see the other good games. 


With all three goalkeepers on the team taking turns in the box due to injury and performance, maybe we can get a little bit of clarity this year on who is the clear starter. Dustin Butcher and his shaved head tallied two shutouts in the offseason with the Premier Developmental League.


Speaking of the PDL, Ryan Gracia was named to the league's Team of the Week in late May. Good to know that he doesn't lose any of his motivation going to see the Washington Wizards play like crap during  the winter.


Also, there's an ESPN All-American and a WVU transfer on the team this year. And don't forget that Andrulis was a pro coach. Big things are coming.


Finally, I'm getting sick of tying with ODU every freaking year...