Depth will benefit Cougs this season

College of Charleston soccer coach Ralph Lundy says the Cougars have more depth than at any time in recent memory, and that depth has produced a fierce competitive spirit in practice that he hopes will carry over when Charleston opens the season against Marshall at 5 p.m. today in the Davidson adidas Classic at Davidson, N.C.

"We have experience, we have depth," Lundy said. "A lot of young men can play. The competitive atmosphere inside our team is great and every practice session is intense because the boys want to win a starting position. That keeps pushing the bar up for each and every player. It's the most depth I've had in years."

Lundy anticipates good things from strikers Zach Prince and Karim Yearwood.

Prince played in all 19 games last season with 11 starts. A junior from Sou Sou Lands, Tobago, Yearwood led the Southern Conference in goals (13) and points (29) in 2007 and is on the watch list for the Hermman Trophy, given to the nation's outstanding player.

"I think they both will have big years," Lundy said. "The nice thing is they're complementing each other very well."

Jedd Cordisco and Steven Nagy are also ready to contribute at the forward position.

Midfielders Justin Fojo, a freshman All-American last year, has been bothered by a knee strain, but should be at full strength soon.

Others likely to receive playing time at midfield include freshman Sean de Silva and sophomore David Munson.

At outside midfield, Lundy says seniors Matt Morris and Casey Gold have stepped up their play.

Drew Fuzy and Jake Helmig also have shown promise as midfielders. Fuzy is one of the team captains, along with Morris and defender John Bello.

In addition to Bello, other players expected to contribute at defender include Sean Bateau, Will Moore, Branko Gavric, Ryan Kell and Wes Knight.

At goalkeeper, the Cougars have a three-way battle on their hands between Brendon Smith, Kyle Hutson and Clark Hankins to replace last year's keeper Corbin Waller.

"It's a great concern," said Lundy. "But these three guys have been working hard. There just hasn't been a clear choice."

Lundy is hoping the overall competition on the practice field will pay off for the Cougars this season.

"Practices have been fierce," he said. "They want to achieve. I think they're going to step up to the challenge and we'll have a great year."

C of C schedule

Aug. 29-31 — (Adidas Soccer Classic at Davidson, N.C.) 29 — Marshall, 5 p.m., 31 — Charlotte, 3 p.m.

Sept. 5-7 — (Furman University Diadora/Spinx Invitational at Greenville) 5 — Washington, 5 p.m.; 7 — Bowling Green State, 11:30 a.m.

Sept. 12-14 (Aaron Olitsky Memorial Nike Soccer Classic at Patriots Point) 12 — Brown vs. Furman, 5 p.m.; Charleston vs. Ohio State, 7:30 p.m.; 14 — Furman vs. Ohio State, noon; Charleston vs. Brown, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 — South Carolina, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25-27 (Saturn of Charleston Nike Classic at Patriots Point) 25 — Alabama A&M vs. Stetson, 5 p.m.; Charleston vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.; 27 — Alabama A&M vs. Jacksonville, 1 p.m.; Charleston vs. Stetson, 3:30 p.m.

Oct.: 1 — at Appalachian State, 1 p.m.; 4 — Davidson, 4 p.m.; 11 — at Elon, 7 p.m.; 14 — Georgia Southern, 7 p.m.; 18 — UNC Greensboro, 7 p.m.; 22 — at Winthrop, 6 p.m.; 25 — at Furman, 6 p.m.

Nov.: 1 — at Coastal Carolina, 6 p.m.; 4 — Wofford, 7 p.m.; 8-16 — Southern Conference Tournament (TBA)