Michigan State University Athletics
1998 Men's Soccer Outlook
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
September 25, 1998
After undergoing a rebuilding year of sorts last year, the 1998 Michigan State men's soccer team looks to rebound and post a winning season while making its presence felt in the Big Ten Conference.
Last year's squad finished with an overall record of 6-9-4, snapping a three-year streak where the program had compiled winning records. In the Big Ten, the Green and White booters finished with a 2-2-1 slate, good for third place, and advanced to the second round of the conference tournament.
As for the 1998 campaign, MSU returns 15 letterwinners from a year ago, including eight starters. Adding to the goal of a winning season is the fact that the Spartans have a number of their top point producers back in the fold along with a strong veteran cast throughout the lineup.
"The first thing we want to do is have a winning season," says MSU head coach Joe Baum, who will be in his 22nd year at the helm of the Spartan program. "Last year, we looked at it as a rebuilding year. We graduated some outstanding seniors following the 1996 season and filled those holes with a lot of young players. We played a considerable number of freshman and, while it was a growing year for us, I think that as a group, the freshmen learned what it takes to be successful at the Division I level."
While Baum looks forward to having a veteran cast to work with, he is aware that there will be other factors that will play a big part in how the team fares, part of which includes better offensive production.
"In 1995 and 1996, we got some scoring from the forwards and we were also dangerous in re-start situations and corner kicks," said Baum. "Last year we slipped off in those areas.
"Also, in past years, when we had success, we had players come off the bench and score some goals. Last year, I think that our younger players were just happy getting into the game and probably not as focused offensively as we would have liked. This year, we'll have players coming into the game who are looking to be dangerous offensively."
The following is a positional breakdown of the 1998 Spartans.
GOALKEEPER
Prior to the start of last season, one of Baum's major concerns centered around who was going to replace standout Reid Friedrichs in goal. A year later, the position is solid with a pair players who saw plenty of action a year ago, earning their stripes in the process.
Sophomore T.J. Lieckfelt concluded the '97 campaign No. 1 at the position, starting all 14 of the games he saw action in as a redshirt freshman. Lieckfelt did a fine job, posting a goals-against average of 1.42 while playing over 1,300 minutes. Despite battling some injuries, Lieckfelt should be even better now that he has a season of game action under his belt.
"When he is healthy, T.J. is as fine of a goalie as there is around," states Baum. "He is an aggressive player who is not afraid to take charge."
Senior Matt Shumlas picked up his second letter last season, starting five games and logging close to 500 minutes of action. Shumlas is familiar with the MSU program and will be ready when called upon.
Senior Craig Myers and incoming freshman Tyler Robinson, a product of Lansing, will provide depth.
BACKFIELD
Strong defense has been a trademark of Spartan soccer over the years, and this year's starting group of backliners have the talent and experience necessary to carry on that tradition.
Senior James Whitmore will anchor the defense from his stopper position. A solid all-around peformer, Whitmore owns all the tools of a top-notch player and could be in line for numerous postseason honors.
"Whitmore has the total package," says Baum. "He is one of the best players that I have ever coached."
Sophomore John Benoist gained valuable starting experience a year ago as a redshirt freshman and will likely emerge as a starter once again. Benoist gives Baum some flexibility with the lineup because of his ability to play either sweeper or a marking back.
Senior Jason Jaroch is eager to get back on the field after seeing his 1997 season cut short because of injury. A tested and skilled player at wing fullback, Jaroch has the skills to merit postseason consideration.
Junior Keith Gordon looks to round out the starting backfield at the other outside fullback slot. A physical player, Gordon turned in a fine spring and is ready for a big season according to Baum.
Senior Matt Phillips will be in line for action in the backfield as either a starter or top reserve. Phillips played fullback towards the latter stages of 1997 (moved from midfield) and performed well. His contributions will play an important role.
Hoping to find their niche in the backfield are redshirt freshmen Paul Vance, Jonathan Wells and Lou Pieh.
"On defense, we'll be looking for a group that plays physical, but stays composed, makes good outlet passes and supports the offense," says Baum.
MIDFIELD
As with the backfield, the Spartans' starting group of midfielders are solid and could be the strength of the squad.
Sophomore Pat Mahoney has the defensive mid slot locked up after impressing the MSU coaching staff last year. As a true freshman Mahoney started 16 of the team's 19 games and displayed the poise usually shown by veterans.
Junior Steve Williford, a talented offensive performer, will likely nail down a starting berth at wide midfield. Williford, a starter in 15 of 17 games in '97, has the tools to be a force in the Big Ten and could develop into a candidate for postseason honors.
On the opposite flank from Williford, sophomore Rick Smith will make a serious bid for a starting berth. By the time last season ended, Smith had firmly entrenched himself in the starting lineup. He is coming off a fine spring and his quickness is a weapon that Baum will want to utilize.
Juniors Brady Demling and Hal Howell will wage a spirited battle for a starting position at midfield. The pair split time during spring drills and Baum was pleased with the way they performed.
Demling started 12 of 18 games last season while Howell gave the Spartans a boost as a reserve, seeing action in 16 outings.
Redshirt freshman Shervin Motaghi, an East Lansing native, looks forward to making substantial contributions after missing last year because of an injury. Motaghi is a strong player according to Baum and will get better as he acquires experience.
Adding to the productivity of the midfield will be incoming freshmen J.W. Simpson, Steve Arce and Adam Sabin. The trio earned a bevy of honors during their respective high school careers and are eager to earn playing time in their rookie seasons. Baum may also use them at a forward position depending on the cirmcumstances.
"We are pretty deep in the midfield," says Baum. "We have players who have started and been productive in the past and we are confident that we can bring in some good reserves who can provide us with quality play."
FORWARD
Baum hopes to get more scoring from his forwards, and in seniors Chris Slosar and Jeff Fliss, he has a pair of capable and experienced players.
Slosar turned in a banner season in 1997, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on seven goals and two assists. A Second-Team All-Big Ten honoree last year, Baum will once again look to the Grand Blanc native to put up consistent numbers.
Fliss ranked No. 2 on the club in scoring last season with 11 points on four goals and three assists. A good finisher and playmaker, Fliss could be in store for a big senior season.
Redshirt freshman Brian Spitzkeit is coming off a good spring and could make an impact as could incoming freshman Brett Konley, named the state of Michigan's Mr. Soccer award winner last year while at Plymouth Salem High School.
"Even though we don't have the numbers up front, we think that we have quality veteran players to carry us as well as some freshmen who have the ability to step up," says Baum.
SCHEDULE
The Spartans face an interesting schedule that features three contests against squads that are ranked in the preseason Top 25.
MSU opens the year Sept. 1 at Buffalo before returning home the weekend of Sept. 5-6 when it hosts the MSU/Quality Suites Classic. Joining MSU in that tournament will be Eastern Michigan, Northwestern and Wisconsin-Green Bay.
The Spartan booters will venture to San Diego, Calif., Sept. 18-20, to play in the Met-Life Tournament, battling Cal-State Northridge and Cal-State Fullerton.
A big home date awaits MSU on Sept. 27 when it hosts Indiana, ranked No. 3 in the nation, and coming off a 23-1 record last year.
Other contests against Top 25 teams include road tests vs. Bowling Green (#15) on Oct. 18 and at Maryland (#11) on Nov. 7.
All totaled MSU will play seven home contests including a key region matchup against Cincinnati (Sept. 13) and a Big Ten encounter vs. Wisconsin (Nov. 1).
SPARTAN COACHING STAFF
JOE BAUM, Head Coach
Direction of the Michigan State University men's soccer team rests in the capable hands of Joe Baum, who starts his 21st campaign at the helm of the Spartan program in 1997. During his tenure, Baum has guided the team to an overall mark of 197-143-30 (.573) which includes 13 winning seasons. Included in his record was last year's mark of 12-5-2, which helped him earn Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. In 1995, he guided the Green and White booters to a slate of 12-3-3, his highest seasonal winning percentage (.750) while at MSU and the program's best mark since 1975.
Baum also served as the initial head coach of the MSU women's program (1986-90) and compiled an impressive ledger of 69-23-5 (.737). During his head coaching tenure at Michigan State, Baum has directed the men's and women's teams to a combined overall record of 255-161-33 (.604).
Baum began his coaching career in 1969 at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville as an assistant to Bob Guelker. From there he took a similar post at Wisconsin-Green Bay from 1972-74.
In 1974, Baum came back to Michigan State as an assistant to Ed Rutherford. Baum held the position for three seasons, helping State post a record of 25-7-3 (.757). He was promoted to the head coaching position in 1977 when Rutherford stepped down to serve as a full-time administrative assistant to then-Athletic Director Joe Kearney.
In 19 seasons, Baum has built the Spartan program into a consistent winner. During his tenure, he has coached such Spartan greats as forward Tom Doherty (34 goals from 1982-85) and goalkeeper Paul Zimmerman (29 shutouts from 1982-85). In addition, since the Big Ten Conference's sponsorship of men's soccer in 1991, Baum has had 11 different players garner 16 berths on all-conference teams.
A three-year soccer letterman at MSU from 1966-68, Baum led the Spartan booters to a 33-1-7 record, including a 33-game unbeaten streak. He was in goal for two NCAA co-championship squads and was named to the 1968 All-Midwest team by the National Soccer Coaches of America. Baum still owns the second-lowest career goals-against average (0.70) in Spartan men's soccer history.
Baum received his bachelor's degree in communications from MSU in 1969 and a master's degree in counseling from Southern Ilinois-Edwardsville in 1971.
Joe resides in Okemos and his family includes his wife, Janice, along with children Stefan and Kelsey.
STEVE SCHAD, Assistant Coach
Former MSU soccer player Steve Schad begins his fifth year as an assistant coach at his alma mater. Schad previously coached soccer and basketball at De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis, Mo., from 1985 through 1993. In addition, he was the girl's varsity coach at St. Joseph's Academy, 1984-93. Schad, a native of St. Louis, lettered with the Spartans in 1979-80 and earned his bachelor's degree in political science/pre-law in 1982.
