Men's Soccer Season Preview 2008

University of the District of Columbia Men’s Soccer Head Coach Khary Stockton enters his second year of leadership optimistic about his expectations for the 2008 season. The team endured a 3-8-1 season last year as they struggled to re-group after a difficult 2006 season.

The Firebird squad looks to improve tremendously from their inaugural campaign under the guidance of a new head coach. The team endured its share of ups and downs with players, fields, and other on off the field issues. However, things look to be on the rise for the newly revamped team.

The Firebirds lost four players to graduation last year, including Pidenam Bodjona, Terrence Alleyne, Abdoul Koly and Liberty Togba. They look to senior Olivier Gwensende to be the team maestro at his midfield position, and help lead them to a winning season. Joining him in this effort will be senior Myron Douglas.

The team looks to improve in all areas of the field. Goalkeeper Isaiah Munoz (Puerto Rico), a new comer transfer from Bridgewater College, will man the nets. Another new comer, Kevin Santos (Sterling, Virginia) from Parkview High School, will be the heart of the defense.

Olivier will receive plenty of help in the midfield from new comer Alex Velasco (Sterling, Virginia), who was a teammate of Santos at Park View High School, and Douglas. The front line will be lead by new comers, Trinidadian, Akeil Belfon (St. Benedicts College), joined with junior David Agbaza.

The supporting cast includes newcomer Yael Medou (Libreville, Gabon), a transfer from Montgomery College-Rockville, and their reserves. This includes the likes of junior Kendel Penny, junior Nersa Looky Djobo, sophomore Samer Shehadeh, and senior Diego Lahaye. They will joined by new comer Karl Stessey Bisselou Moukagna (Libreville, Gabon), a transfer from Montgomery College.

The team has a challenging schedule ahead, which, hopefully, will allow them to participate in the post season NCAA Soccer Tournament. Their season kicks off with a pair of tournaments at the University of Pittsburg-Johnstown and Holy Family University. They look forward to challenging contests against regional powerhouses Lock Haven University and past Division II Champions, Dowling College.