University of Tampa soccer preview

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
Published August 26, 2007

Women's soccer

While preparing for last season's NCAA Division II semifinals, then-West Chester (Pa.) coach Gerry Lucey spent a good bit of time scouting the other participants, one of which was the University of Tampa.

"To be honest, I really didn't want to see (the Spartans)," Lucey said. "I thought they were the best squad there."

Today, UT isn't a foe. It's his team. And Lucey is thankful for that.

The fourth-ranked Spartans, in his eyes, have the ability to make a run to a second straight semifinals.

"There is the potential to reach that level," Lucey said.

His optimism is warranted.

Coming off its best season (the team finished 18-3-1), UT returns seven starters, two other solid performers who missed last season to injury, and a strong group of younger players ready to step into larger roles.

"This," Lucey said, "is a very strong program."

Keep an eye on

Shannon Aitken, Sr., GK
Four-year starter was second-team All-American in '06.

Shelby Kuni, Jr., F
26 goals ranked first in the conference and third in the nation.

Courtney Evans, Jr., C-MF
Energetic leader was second-team all-conference.

Alicia Wyman, Jr., D
Vocal leader back after missing two seasons to injury.

Ashley Flateland, So., C-MF
Quick, athletic and sound defender.

Things to know

- The Spartans have six players from the Tampa Bay area (Aitken, Sara Belsole, Martha Bromfield, Stefanie Huertas, Emily Stack and Megan Tobin). At least three will start.

- Tobin's father, UT assistant coach Don Tobin, once played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies - and professionally in England.

- The team grade point average is 3.3.

- A native of Ireland, Lucey was a standout player at C.W. Post, a Division II school in Long Island, N.Y. He earned All-American honors in 1993 and left as the school's all-time leader in points.

- In 22 games last season, the Spartans held their opponent scoreless 12 times and allowed 14 total goals. In comparison, they scored 72.

- Lucey's old team (West Chester) is one spot ahead of UT in the rankings. "I tell the girls, 'This is a step back,"' Lucey said. "But I'm just joking. It's not at all."

Men's soccer

University of Tampa coach Adrian Bush is superstitious, so he'd rather not praise his team too much until it has a few games under its belt.

"I don't like to speak too soon," Bush said.

Even so, one can tell Bush, who's now in his third year, likes this Spartans squad.

Although UT went 8-9-1 last fall, the Spartans finished strong (3-0-1 in their final four games), return three of their top four scorers, have a mature senior class and have produced a few nice recruiting classes.

"There's no question about it," Bush said. "We've got talent. And we return a lot of leaders."

UT had 21 newcomers last year and 11 more this year.

"We've had big changeover," Bush said.

Now, the Spartans have big dreams. One of them is to put the once-powerful program back on the map.

Keep an eye on

Devin Shaw, Sr., M
Four-year starter and the team's co-captain.

Dan Ingvarsson, Fr., C-MF
Sweden native is an exciting, dynamic playmaker

Ricardo Cardoso, Sr., F
Led squad last year with 14 goals.

Pascal Milien, So., F
Exceptional with the ball; has lots of flare.

Kevin St. John, Sr., GK
Primed for big year in the net.

Things to know

- UT is a true melting-pot program. The Spartans have several players originally from others countries.

- While in college at UT, Bush earned national player of the year honors in 1994 when he captained the team to the Division II national championship.

- Cardoso shares the school record for goals in a game. He scored four against Clayton State a year ago today.

[Last modified August 25, 2007, 23:32:58]