Men’s soccer finds offensive strength in youth players

September 11, 2013

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Soccershort_MackenzieWilder — Senior Pat McCaffrey (left) shoots wide in Webster Universtiy men’s soccer preseason game against Southwestern Illinois College. McCaffrey scored a goal in each of Webster’s last three games. Against Hendrix College (Ark.) he tied the game in the final 25 minuets to send it into overtime, the game ended tied 1-1. PHOTO BY MACKENZIE WILDER

Webster University men’s soccer head coach Michael Siener said his team won’t have a regular starting lineup. Senior forward Patrick McCaffrey leads the team with three goals, scored in three consecutive games.
Behind McCaffrey in total points is freshman BJ Dryer, two other freshmen, Brendan Shields and Jamie Lawrence are tied for second on the team in goals.
“I did know we were going to have to get big contribution from our freshmen,” Siener said. “We’ve seen them get a lot of playing time and they’ve come up with some big key goals.”
Three games this season have gone into double overtime on Webster’s way to a 3-0-2 record. Siener said the best part of the extra time has been the extra chances to see a team with 22 freshmen gain more in game experience.
“The guys continue to battle to get some positive results,” Siener said. “Moving forward, this is only going to help us. The second half against Rhodes College (Tenn.), we were the fresher team.”
McCaffrey said the young team would be tested in their next game at Washington University on Saturday Sept. 14.
“I’m not worried about them,” McCaffrey said. “I trust everyone of them to do what they have done the past five games. These freshman are skilled and know their jobs on the field.”