SEASON PREVIEW: M. Soccer begins O'Neil era

Quakers hope ball bounces their way in 1993 Soccer can be a game of curious bounces, and the ball took a difficult turn for the Penn men's soccer team this summer. The resignation of coach Steve Baumann temporarily put the squad in disarray, as the future of the program was hazy at best. But it now seems that new coach George O'Neill has taken a firm hold of the reins and has the Quakers headed in the right direction. Bringing a combination of passion for the game and seasoned acumen, O'Neill has his team ready for the new season. With the attention over coach Baumann's resignation now beginning to subside, the team can turn its attention to the task at hand – winning soccer games. Penn looks to improve upon last season's disappointing record (1-6 Ivy League, 4-11 overall) as it opens up the 1993 season today at St. Joe's (3:30 p.m.). "We're going to take it one game at a time," O'Neill said. "First, it'll be 45 minutes against St. Joe's, then we'll go another 45 against somebody else, and so on." O'Neill took over as interim coach on August 18 and, after a few weeks of practices, has had a chance to evaluate his new team. "What I've seen has been nothing but positive," O'Neill said. "The boys have definitely responded well to a very difficult situation." O'Neill and assistant coach Brian Kammersgaard have stressed the fact that no one's position is set in stone nor is anyone's playing time.They have been working the team very hard during practices, making certain their players won't lose a game on account of fatigue. "We look solid all over the field," Kammersgaard said. "It's going to take a total team effort to win games." As the Hawks play on artificial turf, the Quakers have been practicing on Franklin Field to prepare. "We had a good game against St. Joe's last year when we beat them 4-0," senior captain Mike Gomez said. "But astroturf is a lot different to play on than grass. They're big, fast, and very athletic, and we can't say if we're favored or not because it's the first game of the season." The team's hopeful outlook is impressive as is its enthusiasm and work ethic. Much of this is a reflection of O'Neill's general optimism towards his debut in the Ivy League. "I don't see any reason why we won't be able to go out and enjoy ourselves and win more games than we lose," O'Neill said. "There seems to be a positive attitude around here." Penn takes the field with a solid core of returning players and a few fresh legs. Gomez is joined by sophomores Greg Sexton (sweeper), Andrew Kralik (goalie), and junior Michael Leo (fullback) to comprise a formidable defense. The unit will miss last year's captain Ebun Garner, but has looked very strong in recent workouts. "Gomez has taken over as a leader," O'Neill said. "He's a quiet guy, but he leads very well by example." Offensively, the Quakers will definitely feel the loss of Joe Ponte and Brian Halak. The tandem started every game played during their years at Penn and each netted seven goals last season. Sophomore Pat Larco is expected to be one of the Quakers' most potent strikers. Larco will be counted on to step up to the next level, and O'Neill has utmost confidence in him. "Larco has the potential to be an impact player in this league," O'Neill said. "He's shown us some great things so far." Joining Larco on the frontline will likely be freshman Tim Rusche, out of Cincinnati, who has dazzled coaches during preseason drills. Also, University of Virginia transfer Scott Ford (halfback) should be healthy by gametime and will provide his invaluable experience of playing for a national champion. "Rusche has played exceptionally well," O'Neill said. "He's looked really well as of late. I don't care if you're a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior – if you stay in your lane and do your business, you're going to stay on the field." Taking care of business is what Penn must do to win games this season. With tough opponents, such as Ivy champs Dartmouth, on the schedule, the ball will take some unpredictable bounces. The Quakers just hope they'll be in the right direction.