Michigan State University Athletics
Men's Soccer Squad in Midst of Fall Practice
8/18/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 18, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's soccer team continued two-a-day practices on Wednesday with an eye on its season opener at home against Buffalo on Sept. 1.
Fourteen returning lettermen, including eight starters are back from last year's club that finished with an overall record of 7-12. It is that veteran nucleus which MSU head coach Joe Baum believes will be a key to this year's squad.
"Some our strengths this season will be experience and overall team depth," said Baum, who will be in his 23rd season as head coach of the Spartan program. "Last season injuries took their toll on us and a number of younger players were forced into the lineup earlier than what we would have liked. Now, the injured players are back and those who were pressed into service are more mature and have some game action under their belts."
Other areas of the team that have Baum excited are his defenders and goalkeepers. Junior John Benoist and senior Brady Demling will anchor a strong backline line while junior goalie T.J. Lieckfelt readies himself for his third season as a starter.
"With the overall talent that we have in the backfield and in goal, we want to get to the point where if we give up more than one goal per game, then we are going to be disappointed," Baum stated. "That way, you are in the hunt in every game and have a good chance at winning."
The MSU men's team will hold its Green and White intrasquad scrimmage starting at noon on Saturday, August, 21, at Old College Field on the MSU campus.
