Saint John's begins its 2010 soccer season this Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Minnesota-Morris. The match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. - Watch Live

Preview Videos:
-Senior midfielder Colin Hall (0:27)
-Head coach John Haws (0:25)

SEASON PREVIEW
The 2010 soccer season begins a new era at Saint John's University, though the head coach's name may be a bit familiar. John Haws was named the seventh head coach in the 44-year history of Johnnie soccer, replacing his father, Pat, following 32 seasons at the helm.

A 1999 graduate of Saint John's, Haws was named All-MIAC honorable mention as a senior in '99. He also served as head boys' soccer coach at Saint John's Preparatory School while playing his senior season with SJU that fall. Haws graduated that December and has served as an assistant coach for the past 10 seasons in Collegeville.

The Johnnies ended the 2009 season with a 5-11-2 overall record and a 1-8-1 record in the MIAC. Six of the 11 losses, including four conference losses, were decided by one goal. SJU loses five seniors and returns seven of its top nine scorers this season.
 
Here's a look at the Johnnies, by postion:

Forwards
Senior #A.J. Sollom# (Roberts, Wis./River Falls) is expected to lead the way for the Johnnie forwards after tallying two goals, including one game-winner, and three assists for a total of seven points last fall. Fellow seniors Clash Lo (St. Paul, Minn./Tartan) and Kevin Saunders (Hastings, Minn.) are also expected to return. Saunders posted four points (1g/2a) in 11 matches, while Lo netted one goal in 10 contests.

Midfielders
Senior Colin Hall (Maple Grove, Minn.) returns to lead an experienced group of midfielders. Hall led the team in points (13), goals (6), game-winning goals (2), shots (34) and shots on goal (17) last season. Joining him will be returning senior starters #J.C. Artavia# (White Bear Lake, Minn.) and Andre Blaine (Andover, Minn./Meadow Creek Christian). Artavia tied for the team-lead in assists (3) and Saunders was fifth on the team in scoring with five points. Sophomore Andrew Johnson (St. Louis Park, Minn.) will also vie for time after seeing action in five matches last fall.

Haws needs to replace Eric Bell and Paul Keane, who both graduated last spring. Bell finished third on the team with six points (2g/2a) and one game-winning goal, while Keane ended the season close behind with five points (2g/1a).

Defense
On the defensive end of the pitch, the Johnnies will rely on the experience of seniors Andrew Lilly (Maple Grove, Minn.) and Austin Neuburger (Millstone, N.J./Allentown), who started 13 and 16 games respectively last season. Neuburger also took 19 shots, including seven on goal, while Lilly added 13 of his own en route to two goals. Junior Chris Hagen (Blacksburg, Va.), the only Johnnie to start all 18 games last fall, returns after posting two assists. Sophomore Ryan Fuchs (St. Michael, Minn./Rogers) should expect to see significant playing time in 2010 after totaling two assists in all but one match at the back line last season. 

SJU needs to replace just one starter on defense, Jake Archbold. He started 17 games and recorded three assists.

Goalkeepers
Senior Matt Anderson (Eden Prairie, Minn.) returns for the Johnnies after posting a 1-2 record in seven appearances as a backup last season. He allowed eight goals and made 27 saves in 415:55 minutes of play. Junior Mike Sikich (Apple Valley, Minn.) is also expected to contend for minutes in net.

The Johnnies need to replace a two-year starter in goal, Luke Nelson, who posted a 4-9-2 record in 13 starts, including 96 saves and a 1.99 goals-against average last year.  

Overall, the 2010 Johnnies will be bolstered by an impressive recruiting class that includes seven Association Press All-State selections, six from Minnesota and one from Wisconsin, as well as one Minnesota State High School All-Tournament pick.

The Johnnies begin their MIAC season at home against Augsburg Sept. 15 and host five more matches this fall, including three-time defending MIAC regular-season champion Carleton (Oct. 2) and 2009 MIAC playoff champion Macalester (Oct. 26).