Preseason Men's Soccer Preview -- The Cardinal Defense
August 18, 2004 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 18, 2004
Louisville, Ky. - From top to bottom, the Louisville defense has all the pieces to become the most successful in school history. The backfield is full of experience, youth and depth. The only question mark is who will fill the shoes of All-American Adrian Cann, the heart and soul of the defense the last four seasons. "Defensively, I like what I see," said Colavecchia. "Matt Neely, Ryan Meyer, Bryan Wells and Andy Damier are all solid central defenders. Transfer Tim Velten will also be in the hunt for a role in the center back position." Colavecchia will most likely look to junior Matt Neely to take over the reins left by Cann. Neely has been a permanent fixture in the Cardinal backfield the last two seasons and has the experience to guide the defense. Neely earned third team All-Conference USA honors last season as a sophomore. However, he missed most of the spring season with an ankle injury. Sophomore Ryan Meyer and seniors Andy Damier and Bryan Wells will also add experience to the backfield. All three have seen significant time in the lineup. SIU-Edwardsville transfer Tim Velten will challenge for a role in the backfield. Velten was named a third team NSCAA All-American last season. "Defending in the outside back position will be as competitive as ever," Colavecchia said. "Joey Watson, Trevor House, Clay Talley and freshmen Anthony Keller and Greg Wells are more than capable of occupying an outside back position." Sophomores Trevor House and Clay Talley could see their time spent in the starting lineup last season pay off this year when vying for a starting role. And adding youth to the lineup will be redshirt freshman Joey Watson and freshmen Anthony Keller and Greg Wells. The biggest mystery of the defense is who will be starting in goal this season. Colavecchia has three talented players that will challenge each other for the starting nod. Transfer Tyler Wilcox stepped in and started for the Cardinals in the spring. He was responsible for the scoreless tie against National Champion Indiana. Also competing for a position will be junior Matt Smith and freshman Charles Edwards. Edwards was named Mr. Soccer in the state of Georgia. "I think we will be quite solid defensively," said Colavecchia. "It will be a difficult task trying to find the right combination of players that defend well together."
