When the Pitt men’s soccer team takes the field this season, it will face the daunting task… When the Pitt men’s soccer team takes the field this season, it will face the daunting task of replicating last year’s success.

The Panthers are coming off a season in which they finished 13-5 overall and 7-4 in the Big East after winning just seven games in 1999. The team also received national recognition by being ranked numerous times throughout the season, including as high as seventh. The 13 wins were the second most in school history while the team’s .722 winning percentage was the best ever. The team’s dream season ended when it fell to Seton Hall in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals 2-1.

Pitt lost six seniors from last year’s squad, including three-year captain Ben Garry, who led the Panthers with six goals. Garry is currently playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, a local professional team. The team will also be missing its top scorer from a year ago, Spencer Barton, who finished with 16 points.

But despite losing key players, head coach Joe Luxbacher feels this season’s team can be just as competitive because of a solid core. While captains Chris Churchill and Justin Gaul will have to show leadership, the burden of carrying the team will not be placed on any individuals.

“We’re not relying on one or two guys, not one big goal scorer because we’re very solid overall,” Luxbacher said.

Up front, the team will look to seniors Mark Sikora and Peter Veltri to lead the way. Sikora finished fourth on the team last season in scoring, netting four goals and 10 points while Veltri added seven. Also returning are senior forwards Mike Butler and Dave Marcinowski, who saw limited action last year, while the team has added freshmen Matt Sherrill and Jeff Krause.

“We expect the freshmen to contribute. How much and where is what we’ll find out,” Luxbacher said. “On paper we have a good recruiting class.”

The Panthers do not return a lot of experience at midfield, with juniors Bryan Hopper and Nate Montgomery being the only players at that position to see substantial playing time last season. Jorge Rivera also returns along with newcomers Justin Genes, Michael Preston, John Occhiuto, Marco Carrizales, Jacob Kring and Brian Watson.

But according to Luxbacher, the key to the team’s success will be a very strong defense, led by Churchill. Along with his defensive capabilities, Churchill can score as well, putting up 12 points in 2000. He was named Big East co-defensive player of the week for Sept. 4-10 and received postseason honors by being named to the All Big East second team.

Joining Churchill on defense will be juniors Josh Whitham and Miles Dowiak, who each contributed eight points last season, as well as Clay Haflich, Mike Doe and Toure Weaver.

“We have no outstanding areas but we have good athletes,” Luxbacher said. “Obviously [Churchill] needs to be strong.”

Gaul will retain duties as goalkeeper after picking up 13 wins in his sophomore campaign, including five shutouts. He posted a 1.16 goals against average, allowing just 21 goals in 18 contests, and was named the Big East goalkeeper of the week for Sept. 4-10 and Big East co-goalkeeper of the week Oct. 2-8. Also looking for time in net will be junior Joe Conlan and freshman Justin Lowery.

The Panthers will once again face tough competition in the Big East, a conference that had five teams ranked in the top 20 in 2000.

“We always expect to do well and play like we’re capable of,” Luxbacher said. “This conference is as strong as it gets.”

The Panthers will plunge into Big East play when they open the season Sept. 1 against Rutgers. The game will be held at Quaker Valley High School at 7 p.m.

To view the men’s soccer schedule, click here.