The 2007 season signals the start of a new era in Millersville University men's soccer history.

After 21 years and an overall record of 199-159-42, Coach Bob Charles passed the Maurader reigns to former assistant coach Steve Widdowson. Widdowson brings with him a tremendous amount of experience as well as a determination to reassert Millersville in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The 2007 season will prove to be an exciting year as the program rebounds and rebuilds after a disappointing campaign last year.

The 2006 season was a struggle from the start as injuries, misfortune and a gradual loss of confidence added up to one of the worst records the team had ever posted. Not wanting to repeat such a showing, the team made an immediate commitment to the off-season and spring season workouts. This commitment and the return of key players from injuries saw the Marauders enjoy a successful spring season giving them renewed confidence to face the challenges of the PSAC this fall.

The 2007 Marauders will be led by its three seniors. Team captains Ben Melnick, Dave Lyon and Tim Hollenback will be looking to lay the successful foundations upon which future teams will develop. Melnick and Lyon will both be essential elements of the team's back line. Melnick provides the team with solid organization and composure on the ball. Lyon is a fearless competitor who plays with a physical passion to defend at all costs. Together they will be looking to restrict opposing teams' scoring opportunities and provide the platform for the Marauder attack. Tim Hollenback's tireless running up front will cause the opposing defenders problems. He is a natural goal scorer and hopes to provide valuable points to the attack. All three captains are essential to the program and provide tremendous leadership and organization.

Returning to lead the forward line during the 2007 season will be junior Sean McLaughlin. McLaughlin's 2006 season was cut short due to a series of unfortunate injuries. The 2005 second team All-PSAC player will be looking to rebound this year and reward his hard work in the off season with a flurry of goals. Added to the forward line in the 2007 season are freshmen Kyle Loughlin, Todd Grimm and Brad VanArtsdalen. All three players will add different attacking options to the team. They bring versatility by providing size, strength, speed and proven goal scoring abilities. The battle for positions on the attacking line will be interesting and competitive as every player has a chance to earn time.

The center midfield will also see a tight battle between several players. Junior Chris Teter returns as the most experienced center midfielder. After missing the spring with a hamstring injury, Teter will be looking to cement his place in the starting line-up. He brings great technical ability and can be an influential passer. The only other returning center midfielder is sophomore Zach Lieb. Lieb saw limited time during his freshman year but will be looking for increased time this season. He is a strong tackler and can provide quality passes through the midfield area. Adding to the center midfield battle is freshman Shane Seabrook. Seabrook provides a high work rate coupled with the technical ability to move the ball from the defense to the attack. He will be challenging for a starting position early and could prove to be a valuable asset to the team.

The wide midfield positions look strong for the Marauders in 2007. Sophomore Steve Melnick and junior Ryan Kiley both return to lead the position. Melnick and Kiley present different challenges to opposing defenders. Kiley provides strength, speed and power while Melnick is more technical. Each has an ability to beat defenders, provide solid services and score goals. These players will be challenged and supported by freshmen Keith Ogden and junior Neil Peterson. Ogden adds an extra yard of pace to the Marauders flank play while Peterson adds experience. All four players are expected to provide valuable points to the team in the form of not only assists but also goals.

The defense will be looking to build on its good play in the spring. Added to captains Melnick and Lyon are sophomore Nick Bargmann, junior Matt Procopio and freshmen Kevin Hennessey and Jeremy Yoder. Bargmann started 16 games as a freshman in 2006. This season, he looks to cement his name in the starting line-up as one of the fullbacks. Procopio played most of the 2006 season in the center midfield but made a successful transition to right back during the spring. He adds pace and quality on the ball which will be vital to the team's success this year. Both Yoder and Hennessey come to the program aiming to push the returning players. Both can play in several positions across the back line and will be looking to prove their worth to the team.

In goal, junior Steve Bloss returns as the likely number one. Bloss, who started 15 games last year, will be looking to ensure that he is the starting goalkeeper for 2007. He has worked hard in both the spring and winter seasons to improve his consistency. Bloss is expected to be a solid goalkeeper and important leader for the team. Coming in to challenge for the goalkeeper position are freshmen Lucas Stacey and Matt Langione. Both young keepers come from solid club and high school programs. They will be fighting for the number one keeper spot. These three keepers will test each other every day and ensure that the keeper department will be one of the strongest elements of the team this year.

The Marauders open up play on Saturday, August 25 with a PSAC game at Shippensburg.