The men’s soccer team finished a disappointing 6-9-2 on the season. While I knew player turnover and roster development would be a hurdle, I didn’t fully appreciate how just much of a hurdle it would end up being. At the beginning of the season I thought making the A10 postseason tournament was a realistic goal, which means finishing anywhere in the Top-6. It didn’t happen, primarily because of a seven-game winless streak in the middle of the season just as conference play began.

Before the mid-season collapse, the Flyers were making due. They were 4-4-0 after dropping a hard-fought 1-0 decision to #1 SMU in Albuquerque. With the A10 schedule not far off, things looked like they remain on an uptick. Over the next six matches however, Dayton scored just three times. When it was all over, UD was out of the conference tournament hunt and playing for pride.

Not that Pride isn’t something worth playing for. In fact, Dayton gave a good effort all season long. The team finished the year 2-0-2 with their best performances in a tie and victory over league leaders Richmond and Charlotte. The team was never far away from stringing together a winning season, and Head Coach Dennis Currier has come accustomed to winning. This year is the first losing campaign in his coaching career, nevermind a season saddled with more than six losses. While the learning curve was steep at times, the willingness to learn kept pace. Dayton rarely looked inept, and staying competitive throughout much of the season should bode well for them next year.

The lineup all year comprised first-year players or program newcomers. If there’s a younger team this side of the Mississippi River, we’re unaware of it. The new faces faired well against opponents full of seasoned veterans. There’s no telling when the Flyers will crack the top of the league again or even make the NCAAs, but the path to get there is not far away. We’re talking about small details such as chemistry, a big play or two, consistency, and experience. The Flyers should make some noise in 2007.

Most Outstanding Player: Nick Tarkany

Tarkany transferred from East Carolina a few years ago and was an on-again off-again starter for Dayton. He split time in goal with Zac Gibbens for the first half of the year, but took over from there on. On a team that struggled at times to maintain consistency, Tarkany was as consistent as any field player. He made big saves on a number of occasions and flirted among the nation’s leaders in goals-against-average. Not only did Tarkany make the big saves, he made the routine ones as well.

Most Improved Player: Antti Arst

Arst finished his career the same way he started it, with a bang. An All Rookie selection three years ago, Arst was in and out of the lineup for the better part of two seasons.