The Washington University men’s soccer team will be looking to match or exceed last season’s NCAA Elite Eight appearance. Last season, the team finished 16-5-2 (4-1-2 UAA), third in the tough University Athletic Association conference.

“On the outside of the field and up top, we are returning a lot of players, but we graduated both of our center backs as well as key central midfielders. The players that are filling in those roles are playing well, and I expect them to pick up where last years’ seniors left off,” senior and co-captain Kevin Brege said.

The Bears are ranked sixth in Division III in the preseason NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches of America Association) poll, and they have been projected to finish second behind the defending UAA champion University of Rochester Yellowjackets.

“The rankings are not important to us, especially at this point in the season. Right now we are focusing on preparing for Sewanee and Birmingham Southern,” Brege said.

“I think it puts a target on your back. I don’t actually think that we’re the number five or number six team at this point. I think we’re capable of getting there, but I don’t think that we are there. We do have a target on us, so it will be interesting to see how we’re going to handle that,” Head Coach Joe Clarke said.

In order to get the team to a level worthy of sixth in the nation, Clarke has been working with the starters and reserve players to improve two vital aspects of the game: downfield passing and physical play. These two key areas have been emphasized due to the difference this team presents over last year’s team.

“We might actually have a little more depth than we had last year. We haven’t replaced the physicality of the three players that left that were starters. But we picked up more speed and quickness throughout the team,” Clarke said.

Part of this depth has been attributed to a talented freshman class competing for the final spots on the squad.

“Having so many quality freshmen not only helps this year’s team, but it also establishes a program that will continue to succeed years into the future,” Brege added.

“They’re going to raise the practice level and some of them are going to be able to step up and grab important playing minutes during the course of the year and help make our team better,” Clarke said about his freshman class.

The team opens its season on Friday against the University of the South during the Birmingham Southern College Labor Day Classic in Birmingham, Ala. The first home game will be on Sept. 9 against Principia College at 7 p.m.