The Tigers men’s soccer team had a remarkably better season than last year. They finished with an 8-7-4, 2-4-1 AAC record, compared to their 4-8-4, 2-3-2 AAC 2017 record.
This new record is their best since 2014 when they ended with a 2-4 loss against the University of South Florida in the AAC Tournament quarterfinals.
Not only did the Tigers win four more games than last season, they also nearly doubled their total goals from 2017, going from 13 to 22 goals. They went from a 0.81 goals-per-game average to a 1.16 average. They were able to finish a couple more of their shots on goal, but it should’ve been a higher goal total this year, as finishing was the main issue of the team throughout the year.
Head coach Richard Mulrooney guided the Tigers in his fifth season. His positive coaching method did well to train the team. He had a good lineup that consisted of the veterans as well as talented youth. The major asset that kept the team poised on the field was David Zalzman, senior midfielder and team captain.
Zalzman capped his four-year career with the Tigers by starting in all 17 games he played (he missed two games due to injury), logging 1,375 minutes and scoring four goals in his senior year. Zalzman’s stats don’t justify his leadership on the pitch, as he commanded the midfield and garnered more possession to keep control of some games.
The progressions of some younger players flashed at some points throughout the year. Freshman forward Gurman Sangha came in as a starter and started all 19 games in the year. He’s a pacey player who can run by opposing defenders. He is also a creative passer on the wing and finds opportunities to score within the box.
Although Sangha had zero goals and one assist in his first 13 games, he finished the year with two goals and three assists. His creativity paid off when it was needed most in the AAC Tournament, when he had a goal and two assists. If he returns next year, he will be an offensive threat. A potential breakout year wouldn’t be shocking.
Aside from the offensive outlook, the defensive potential also looks bright between the posts. Freshman goalkeeper Parker Lackland had some ups and downs throughout the year, exchanging some starts with junior goalkeeper Tyler Hofmann. He eventually took over the starting job near the final half of the season.
Lackland’s main breakthrough was the 2-2 tie against Central Arkansas where he came into the second half for Hofmann. Although he allowed a goal, he had six saves to eventually help the team avoid a loss. Lackland ended with 44 saves in 11 games. It should be interesting in the offseason to see whether or not he keeps his starting role over Hoffman.
Overall, if the team keeps vital players such as Sangha, Lackland, Alexandros Ierides, Artur De Luca and Chris Mikus, and Mulrooney is able to recruit more talent, the team should be on the verge of producing another winning season.
Finding another anchor in the midfield will be a necessity with the loss of Zalzman, but the season was an accomplishment nonetheless. Mulrooney and his staff should be able to build on their current foundation heading into next season.
David Zalzman passes the ball to initiate an attack against UCF. Zalzman captained the Tigers in his senior season.
