The Cal Poly Humboldt men’s soccer team has concluded its exhibition season and will embark on official non-conference play starting August 27 against Fresno Pacific at the Menlo Kickoff Weekend, in which they will also play Colorado School of Mines. Fresno Pacific and Menlo will appear later in the Jacks’ schedule as first-time California Collegiate Athletic Association opponents.
“The larger number of guys that we have coming back this year compared to last year has helped us with some unity,” said CPH head coach Fred Jungemann. “And I think our early-season goals have been trying to get everybody connected on the same page. We’re working to learn from some of the things that we did well last year and improve some of the things that we struggled with. I think we learned a lot of lessons last year with this group about things that we can use as strengths to help us reach our goals.”
He said he’s looking to level-up the midfield.
“Our midfield was particularly strong last year and did really well, so I think we’re going to look closely to them for a lot of leadership this year,” said Jungemann. “We’re really hoping they can help us develop some momentum as the game goes on through controlling the game and managing how we’re trying to play. They certainly have shown through their performances last year that they’re capable of it, and we’re hoping they can replicate that and actually take it to another level this year.”
Defender Robert Somerville dribbles down the field. (Max Combs — Contributed)
Three new captains, Robert Somerville, E.J. Manibusan, and Harper Thweatt, “have really shown themselves to be not just good leaders, but consistent performers,” said Jungemann. “And they’re really helping us step forward with all these processes we’ve been working on.”
Seth Uson, Dominik Chipp, Kaz Kinoshita, Thweatt, and Manibusan will man the midfield Jungemann highlighted with their experience, along with sophomore Izaiah Grosveld. Azis Camerrer, Dominic De La Torre, and Ronaldinho Basulto are incoming freshmen.
Ethan Gyenis, Luke Gomes, and Jai Sternhall will be veteran returners at forward, with some newcomers hoping to make their presence felt there, including De Jon Watson and Alan Garcia.
Assisting Jungemann will be Nano Pereira, Iasiah Dairo, and first-year coach Michael Carvalho.
“We have nine new players, eight of which are freshmen, and they have been doing really well also,” said the coach. “I think like last year, there’s going to be an opportunity for some of our freshmen this year to step on the field and play. I think it’s a little early to say how much they will impact and how much playing time they’re going to get, but I think through their performances, they’ve shown that there’s some potential there and we’re excited to see how that plays out.”
Returning upperclassmen at defender include Robert Somerville, Elijah Espinoza, Maumausolo Uiagalelei, Nic Moore, Gabriel Tucci, Vince Warren, and Shota Lam. David Vega, Said Nait Challal, and Tyler Van Klaveren, as well as junior transfer Elijah Hanley, are first-year CPH players. Senior goalkeeper Edwin Monterrosa has much-valued experience and is joined between the posts by junior Benjamin McDonald and sophomore Alvaro Nieves, to go with freshman Trey Cerizo.
Midfielder Harper Thweatt looks to make a play on ball. (Max Combs — Contributed)
“I think the main focus that we have been discussing this year is taking one game at a time, trying to move our process forward every day,” Jungemann said. “And I think, rather than jump ahead and look at some games down the line as, ‘that might be season-changing,’ or something like that, we’ve really tried to focus everybody on taking it one game at a time and see where we can go.”
It’s all about fresh starts.
“Every year is a new opportunity to start fresh,” added Jungemann. “I think that’s really been the messaging within the team: having some hope and belief and optimism, built around the fresh start and the new season, to see how we can move the program forward. Hopefully the fans will get behind us and help us build that confidence and self-belief so that the boys can do something special this year.”
Sponsored by Danco, all home games are free to spectators.
“Danco has stepped up and contributed with that again, so we’re excited to have them back as a partner,” said Jungemann. “And we really, really appreciate everything that they do for us; for them to allow us to have free admission is really amazing.”
Ken McCanless can be reached at 707-441-0526.