A Season of Perseverance for Young Baron Soccer

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio –It was a season of perseverance for Franciscan University Baron soccer as the 2011 roster came together with many new, young players. With a season wrap of 1-8 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference and a 2-14 overall record, the Barons knew that 2011 was a time for building a strong foundation for the future.

Finishing eighth in the conference—just above Hilbert College and Mount Aloysius College—the Barons relied on senior Tommy Allen and sophomore Blake Bonilla for the majority of the season's points. Allen, one of team's captains, totaled 15 points while Bonilla added 11.

The two led in many offensive categories as well. Allen led the team in points (15), goals (7), and shots (40), while Bonilla led in assists (5). Allen also earned Third Team All-Conference honors from the AMCC.

As the season progressed, the seven new players adjusted to playing at the collegiate level while developing their teamwork with the nine returners. It was good timing too, since many younger players had to step into the positions of veteran players who were injured.

One such player was Joey Walsh. Seeing much more playing time than in season's past, Walsh showed great improvement as the season progressed. "Joey wasn't a starter last year or the beginning of this year," noted assistant coach Billy Herrmann, "but through his work and improvements at midfield, he earned a starting position."

Walsh went on to start in nine of the 13 games he played, and finished team-fourth in points, adding three off of seven shots.

Sophomore transfer Tim Vander Woude stepped in as the Baron goalkeeper and also had a notable performance in the eyes of Coach Herrmann. "He had a lot of incredible saves and consistently played well," he said.

Vander Woode tallied over a thousand minutes played, winning two games and earning a .627 save percentage for 2011.

With the season ending at the end of October, the Barons will look ahead toward training for their 2012 season. Coach Herrmann hopes that with the solid foundation of teamwork built this year, the hunger for a greater 2012 season will grow.