Men's soccer poised for deep run in 2014

Preseason Information and Quick Facts 

Led by one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of the program, the Simpson men's soccer team is poised to make a run at a conference title in 2014.

Fourth-year head coach Rick Issacson and the Storm return 10 starters from last year's squad that went 12-7-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the Iowa Conference Tournament before dropping a 1-0 result to eventual NCAA Final Four participant, Loras.

First Team all-Iowa Conference forward Mitchell White headlines a dangerous Simpson lineup that is loaded with experience and talent.

A senior forward, White led the conference with 14 goals and 32 points in 2013. His career total of 34 goals ranks second in Simpson history and is just three shy of setting a new mark. A model of consistency, White has scored at least 10 goals in each of his three seasons for the Storm.

White's running mate up top is junior forward, Tyler Neumann. A two-time second team all-conference performer, Neumann scored nine goals and distributed a team-high six assists in 2013. He led the team with 12 goals scored as a freshman in 2012.

Together, the duo of White and Neumann has combined to score 45 goals over the past two seasons, 15 more than any other duo in the Iowa Conference over the same period.

The primary instigator of the offense is first team all-conference midfielder, Marcus Varnum. A junior, Varnum scored three goals and had four assists in 2013.

Senior Matt Loney holds up the defensive end of the field. A second team all-conference selection, Loney is the top defender on a team that allowed just over one goal per game a year ago.

After featuring three goalkeepers in 2013, the rotation will likely be trimmed to two this season. Junior Zach McEntee made four starts a year ago and sophomore Austin Schafer made two. Both will battle for a starting spot.

Simpson's quest for a conference title goes through some of the best teams in the nation, as IIAC foes Loras, Luther and Wartburg all qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2013. The schedule opens at home on Aug. 29 when Bethel comes to Buxton Stadium for a 4 p.m. start.

Quick Hits

• 2013 Record: 12-7-2
• 2013 IIAC Record: 4-3-0
• 2013 IIAC Finish: 4th
• Starters Returning: 10
• Letterwinners Returning: 20

Returning Starters

• Michell White (F, Sr.)
• Tyler Neumann (F, Jr.)
• Marcus Varnum (MF, Jr.)
• Kyle Kusy (MF, Sr.)
• Louis Joslyn (MF, Jr.)
• Spencer Cook (MF, Sr.)
• Josh Harry (D, So.)
• Josh Dicken (D/MF, Jr.)
• Drew Johnston (D, Jr.)
• Matt Loney (D, Sr.)

 Iowa Conference Preseason Coaches Poll (full IIAC release)