The year was 2001 when UCSB coach Tim Vom Steeg brought in his first big recruiting class of impact players to campus. Four years later, that group would reach the NCAA College Cup championship match against perennial power Indiana, falling short of the title in a penalty-kick shootout.
Vom Steeg says the personnel on the squad he has assemble for this season reminds him of that ’01 group of high achievers.
“The future of UCSB is on the field now,” he said. “It’s not a matter of the future is coming. The future is now.”
The Gauchos have brought in one the top recruiting classes in the country to join a group of veterans that include Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year Chris Pontius and all-conference midfielder Alfonso Motagalvan.
And just like the rookies did on that 2001 team, the 2008 newcomers are ready to make major contributions and rock Harder Stadium and college soccer.
Vom Steeg had five new players in the starting lineup and a total of eight newbies saw action in last week’s 2-1 season-opening win over Air Force.
“We knew we had a lot of holes to fill,” said Vom Steeg, who had six players (seniors Andy Iro, Tino Nuñez, Brennan Tennelle and Greg Curry, and underclassmen Ciaran O’Brien and Eric Avila) drafted by Major League Soccer teams this winter.
“I was very, very interested in going back to the model we used with the ’04 team,” he explained. “That was probably the best team — and I emphasize the word team — that I coached. I really loved that team. I loved the way the played, I loved their energy at practice day in and day out. It was a team you knew you could work with and develop. We worked with them and developed them and by ’04 we had a team I thought that was nearly impossible to beat. That’s where I wanted to go back to.
“That’s not taking away from Andy, Ciaran and Avi. These are superstar players. They became less and less coachable over time because superstar players know the routine, they know how it works. I just felt (bringing in so many new players) was a good opportunity to start fresh and change our culture a little bit back to were I wanted it to be.”
One of the first things fans will marvel about this Gaucho squad is its speed all over the field.
This is Vom Steeg’s fastest and quickest team in his 10 years at the helm.
But, he notes, “We have team speed all over the field, but it’s how you use it.”
Bryan Dominguez, who is only 17 years old, is one of the new speedsters. A dazzling attacking midfielder, his style of play is similar to that of Argentina legend Diego Maradona in his prime — a magician with the ball and a superb passer.
Pontius is thrilled to have the former U.S. Under-17 national team player and Parade All-American on the field.
“He’s so small and you think you can get the ball away from him easy, but his center of gravity is so low and he distributes so well,” said Pontius, who scored both goals against Air Force with the help of plays made by the 5-4 Dominguez. “His vision is awesome.”
If Dominguez isn’t enough for opposing defenses to handle, the Gauchos have Danny Barrera, who is also cat quick and creative with the ball. He’ll make his debut Friday against Kentucky after recovering from knee surgery.
“We will find some place on the field for him because he’s a special player as well,’ said Vom Steeg of the Parade All-American, two-time NSCAA/adidas Youth All-American and member of the U-18 and U-17 national teams.
Dominguez and Barrera will set up scoring chances for the likes of forwards Pontius, Bongomin Otii and Nick Perera.
Here is a breakdown of the 2008 Gauchos:
FORWARDS: This position is the strength of the team. Pontius is coming a solid junior season in which he led the team with 11 goals, including five game-winners. He is a candidate for the Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy, the award presented to the Division 1 Player of the Year.
“Pontius one of top three forwards in the country,” said Vom Steeg. “What makes Pontius great is he can scored 50 different ways. I don’t even know what slows him down.”
The 6-3 Perera, who is called “Belgium” by the coaches and teammates, is “effective around the penalty area, can beat people in tight spaces, and has a great soccer brain,” said Vom Steeg.
Otii returns to the field after taking a redshirt year to have surgery on his knee. The 6-foot, 205-pound sophomore is healthy again and gives the Gauchos a physical presence up front.
“Nobody, I don’t care who it is in college soccer, can physically stay with Bongomin. He’s the missing link for us up top,” said Vom Steeg.
Kyle McAthy, who transferred from UCLA, will add depth to the front line. He is the younger brother of former Gauchos Aaron and Drew McAthy. Drew, a member of that outstanding 2001 recruiting class, finished his career as one of the all-time goal scorers in UCSB history
MIDFIELD: While Dominguez and Barrera shake and bake with their crazy footwork, David Walker will be flying down the wing and slashing through defenses
Vom Steeg said Walker came into camp 15 pounds lighter and has increased his foot speed. “I would say he’s the fastest player we have. His speed is unbelievable. He’s really pushed himself to a position where it’s really hard to not have him on the field.”
Motagalvan holds down the fort in the midfield while everyone else is going forward. There will be times he may feel abandoned, but Vom Steeg has assured his senior standout that the other midfielders will race back to derail counterattacks.
“We’ve put an emphasis in training on our transition defense,” Vom Steeg said. “With the number of midfielders I have and the speed I have in midfield, what I need to impress upon my midfielders is the importance for them in getting behind the ball and getting back, because that helps make up for mistakes.”
Freshman Luis Silva is the next in line to play the defensive midfielder spot. He played with confidence and steadiness in his college debut against Air Force.
Another player Vom Steeg is excited about is freshman Machael David. He is expected to make an impact once he receives clearance from the NCAA. David, who was discovered by O’Brien, comes to UCSB from Gig Harbor, Wash., via New York, Italy and Nigeria.
DEFENSE: Michael Boxall anchors a young, fast and skillful group. Boxall recently returned from the Beijing Olympics, where he played for New Zealand.
Vom Steeg is expecting the 6-2, 200-pound Boxall to be the leader in the back. “He’s got the whole package. What we need is leadership,” the coach said.
Michael Tetteh will pair up with Boxall in the center of the defense.
Tetteh, a native of Ghana and All-CIF player from Dunn School in Los Olivos, is a very athletic player who can play anywhere on the field, said Vom Steeg. “He’s special for us because he’s a great balance with Boxall. He’s got about as good a left foot as I’ve seen in college soccer. He can play balls out of the back anywhere, ”
Peter McGlynn, a freshman from Ireland and junior returning starter Jon Curry handle the outside defensive spots.
Curry is a steady performer who delivers at both ends of the field.
McGlynn is the latest in a line of talented players from Ireland.
“We’ve always done well with right-sided Irish players,” said Vom Steeg, referring to past standouts Bryan Byrne and David McGill. “(McGlynn) has a left and right foot, he tackles really hard and plays with great positioning. He’s a player who comes ready to go.”
The defense took a hit as C.J. Cintas and Kyle Kaveny were lost for the season with injuries.
Jonathan Zerah, who logged some key minutes last year, will be counted on to fill in on the outside defense as will freshman Tim Pontius, Chris’ brother. Pontius is especially strong in the air.
“We have all of the pieces,” Vom Steeg said. of the defense. “The key for our back line is to play together and keep learning every game. It’s going to be a trial by fire.”
GOALKEEPER: Trond Helge Takset, a 21-year-old, 6-4 freshman from Norway, will get the starting nod over 6-4 redshirt freshman Kristopher Minton.
“Trond is player who fell into our laps,” Vom Steeg said. “He’s above Minton because of his experience. He’s an older player who’s come here to have the college experience.”
Minton did impress in the exhibition against Westmont.
“He’s beginning to turn the corner from being this 18-year-old, bright-eyed kid to somebody who has matured. It’s a process,” said Vom Steeg.
SCHEDULE: UCSB faces a challenging schedule that includes a three-game stretch against past national champions. The 2006 NCAA champs will play host to defending champion Wake Forest on Sept. 21, travel to seven-time winner Indiana on Sept. 27, and visit four-time kingpin UCLA on Oct. 1.
“The schedule is set up to get stronger and stronger,” said Vom Steeg.
The Big West season changes as the teams will play one round followed by a conference tournament, featuring the top four teams in the standings. The winner earns an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
