2015 Outlook: Olivet looks to qualify for the MIAA Tournament

In 2015, the Olivet College men's soccer team welcomes back 15 players from the 2014 team. These 15 players are ready to help the Comets get back to the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament after narrowly missing qualifying for it last year.

"We are all very excited to be back after the long break," said head coach Dan Bulley. "The newcomers know what our expectations are and are hungrier than before after what we thought was a below par season last year.

"We look much more like a unit this year and that is what is catching my eye throughout our preseason. We will look to take one game at a time and not get ahead of ourselves this year. Each game will present its own challenges but I believe we have the components to step up to the challenge and perform consistently from start to finish."

The roster features only two seniors in goalkeeper Ryan Grashik and midfielder Joey Sieg. Over the last two seasons, Grashik has played in 18 games at Olivet and has a 2.00 goals against average. Sieg has been a part of the program for the last three seasons and has seen action in 26 games.

Returning juniors on the roster include Michael Brait, Gregory Petty and John Hollowell. Brait has started 32 career games, with 10 points. Two of his three career goals have been game-winners. Petty has appeared in 35 games, including 15 starts and has 14 points. His six assists last season were second-most on the team. Hollowell has played in seven varsity games.

Of the nine returning sophomores, Vince Geremia is the only one who saw action in more than 10 varsity games last year. He started 13-fo-17 games on the back line, recording three total points. Evan Shambaugh played in 10 games. The remaining seven will be counted on to fill larger roles on the team in 2015.

Eighteen new players add depth to the roster. Some will be given an opportunity to play right away in varsity matches, while others will gain experience in junior varsity contests. Notably, the roster features five players who have made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean from England to play for the Comets.

"We welcome a bright set of freshmen and one transfer to our program," said Bulley. "Some of the youngsters can expect to taste varsity action right away if they are able to come in, work hard, and maintain a great attitude."

Olivet kicks off the 2015 season next week with a pair of home contests. On Tuesday, the Comets host Ohio Northern University and on Thursday, they welcome University of Chicago (Ill.) to the Cutler Athletic Complex. Both games have a 4 p.m. start time.