Men’s soccer: Lions ready to roar in 2000

Tony Altobelli

COSTA MESA - The mentality for the Vanguard University men’s soccer

players isn’t what can they do, but rather what can’t they do?

“We have 19 guys on this team and talent-wise, 17 are very strong,”

Lions assistant coach Fred Goff said. “We are all very excited to get

this season underway.”

The Lions return three All-Golden State Athletic Conference standouts,

including 17-goal scorer Diego Goni.

“Diego is a pure finisher,” Goff said. “A lot of guys say they can

finish, but more often than not, it’s Diego standing in front of the goal

with the ball at his feet, ready to put it in the back of the net.”

Adding to the offensive arsenal is Josh McLeish, son of longtime head

coach Dave McLeish, who posted a team-high 11 assists for the Lions.

“He’s playing at a very high skill level,” Goff said. “He’ll be coming

off the left side and with his quickness, he can cause a lot of problems

for the other team’s defense.”

Both Goni and McLeish were second-team All-NAIA choices, along with

goalkeeper Mathew Resor. He posted five shutouts along with a 1.23

goals-against average last season.

“He’s a big, physical keeper,” Goff said. “He’s 6-foot-2 and there’s

not much fat on him.”

On defense, the Lions’ Defensive Player of the Year, Devon Adams,

returns to the mix. “He plays the game with a very hard-nosed apporach,”

Goff said.

As far as key newcomers, look for Santa Ana College transfer Jose

Barillas and Estancia High standout Esaul Mendosa to make a big impact.

As far as predictions go, Goff would hope to see the Lions stretch

play into November for playoff action.

“We start our schedule with some tough opponents, which I think will

help us get ready for conference,” Goff said. “I don’t want to jinx this

whole thing, but I think we all are pushing for the playoffs and if we

don’t hit that goal, we’d be pretty disappointed.”

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY MEN’S SOCCER

Mathew Resor Sr.

Devon Adams Sr.

Joakim Ulfvebrand Jr.

Josh McLeish Sr.

Matthew Palmer Sr.

Matthew Hearn Jr.

Ryan Rutkowski Sr.

Jesse Barnett So.

Rob Josefsson So.

Matthew Sarinas Sr.

Matt Swift Jr.

Diego Goni Sr.

Jose Barillas Jr.

Christian Diaz Jr.

Esaul Mendoza Fr.

Andrew Morgante Jr.

Michael Murphy Jr.

Zach Sadler So.

Bryan Scott Fr.

Nick Stovell So.

Ricky Wade Fr.

Head Coach Dave McLeish