Protect the house – Voyageurs' goal for the season

One can certainly understand why Laurentian Voyageurs men's soccer coach Carlo Castrechino would be stressing the need for a much greater commitment to a solid defensive effort for his crew this year.

Surrendering thirty goals in just sixteen regular season games went a long way towards ensuring that the Voyageurs would be on the outside of the playoffs, looking in, when post-season play commenced last fall.

The reality, however, is that the coach's challenge was not made any easier by the graduation of defensive stalwart Cameron Brooks, a perennial all-star on the back line for L.U., and undoubtedly the anchor of that unit during his time in Sudbury.

It is a reality that Castrechino both acknowledges, and remains hopeful he may have an answer for. "So far in camp, both Nick Franke and Zach Gallo have really been showing well," said the well-tenured local bench boss.

"We gave up far too many chances, and too many goals last year. Our goal this year is to tighten up our defensive game."

A single-minded approach of an 11-man unit can certainly help, though sixteen straight scoreless draws may not be the solution that Castrechino is seeking.

"I think that with the quick wingers that we have, a solid striker in Matt Wilkes, and (midfielder) Omar (Allison), that we can be a good counter-attack team," said Castrechino.

"Matt is a big presence, he holds up the ball well, and he distributes well."

"Goal scoring is going to be an issue, so hopefully we can find someone."

What the Voyageurs can count on is the return of Allison, a first team all-star in 2014. Ian Wolfe, who missed all of last season with an injury after showcasing an encouraging skill-set in tight to the net in 2013, is also back to help the cause.

But it is the growth of the young talent, from goaltender on out, combined with a couple of key pieces in defensive midfield roles, that has Castrechino envisioning a return to the playoffs.

In net, Duncan Jobson is back for year three, thrust into the role of starter somewhat unexpectedly since his arrival on campus in 2013 .

He will be pressed, this fall, by St Benedict Bears and Sudbury Impact productConnor Vande Weghe, who does not look the least bit out of place in his first university training camp, according to Castrechino.

With Franke and Gallo in the middle of the back line, sophomore fullbacks Cole Giffin and Liam Ezzard provide outside support, undoubtedly benefitting from the playing time they received as rookies.

More Sudbury flavour through the middle of the pitch as Gabriel Rodrigues has received a clean bill of health, looking to tandem with North Bay native Evan Stronach, who suited up with the Lake Erie College Stormlast fall.

"Our two defensive midfielders are ball winners," said Castrechino of the duo. "They can tackle, they get in there. If they can hopefully distribute to the outside, we have a chance to get going on offense. And our fullbacks have the range to overlap."

"We have a quicker team, I find, and I think that will help.”

Joining Wilkes up front, as the Voyageurs mount their attack, will be Ayden Meilleur, and Wolfe, on the flanks.

For the second straight year, the OUA schedule maker did the Voyageurs no favours, as the locals open their season with road games against the Trent Excalibur, UOIT Ridgebacks and Carleton Ravens, before enjoying an encounter in front of a partisan crowd on September 12th.

The team will play host to the Ottawa Gee Gees club team in an exhibition outing this coming Friday (Aug. 21) at 6:30 p.m., at Laurentian field.