#5 GLIAC
DAVENPORT PANTHERS (3-12-2 ALL, 2-9-1 GLIAC/7th)
2019 Davenport Preview
Turn The Page is a classic Bob Seger song and exactly what the Davenport University men's soccer team did after the conclusion of the 2018 season. The Panthers were picked as preseason favorites in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after winning the GLIAC Tournament in their first season in the conference. Those expectations coupled with a rash of significant injuries saw the Panthers win three times and tie twice. The team was on the cusp of flipping losses into wins, but could not find the magic late in contests. DU dropped nine matches by a single goal and five of those losses came in overtime. The Panthers opened the season with a 3-3 tie at No. 19 Maryville and also had a big 4-1 win at Parkside (second in the GLIAC regular season) to prove that promise was there.
The 2019 season brings a new goal to shoot for and provide extra motivation. Davenport will be eligible for the NCAA Tournament for the first time after being a provisional member of NCAA Division II over the last two seasons. The team would have advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2017 by winning the GLIAC Tournament if eligible. Leading the charge will be 15 returning letterwinners with a great balance of experience between forward, midfield and defense.
The tempo and possession starts in the middle with junior Daire O'Riordan. He has the ability to control the pace and is an excellent passer and decision-maker. He was named Second Team All-GLIAC in 2017 and Honorable Mention All-GLIAC in 2018. O'Riordan had three assists last year and was one of three players to start in all 17 matches. His intangibles are really what sets him apart in a conference filled with talented players.
Redshirt sophomore Matt Whelan proved to be as good as advertised in his first season with the club. He ranked second on the team with six goals and led the team with 23 shots on goal. He will be looked upon once again to be one of the team's top offensive threats. Senior Brayden Texer has improved his skill level each year with the program and led the team with six assists a year ago.
The backline is happy to see the return of redshirt senior Carson Brinks after missing the 2018 season due to injury. Brinks started in 19 matches during the 2017 season and recorded five assists. He was named Honorable Mention All-GLIAC for his efforts. He bolsters an already strong defense which includes senior Lasse Pico Kjeldsen and junior Jake Van Schie. The biggest question mark will be who sees minutes as goalkeeper. Alec Morris played 75 minutes last season and that is the most experience returning. The race is wide open to see who will get the starting nod on Sept. 5 in the season opener at Palm Beach Atlantic.