Mary Washington College advanced to the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship semifinals in 1997, reaching never-before heights. With a 21-3-1 record, an unprecedented seventh consecutive Capital Athletic Conference Championship, and a school record 14-match winning streak, the Eagles flew farther than any of the previous squads in the illustrious 21-year history of the sport at the Virginia school. Heading into the season, MWC had several important questions that needed answers. First, the team would need to deal with the loss to graduation of 50- goal scorer Chris Blelloch and goalkeeper Jim Hummel. Those two helped the '96 team to the CAC title and an appearance in the South Region Finals. In addition to replacing that pair, the Eagles would also face a tough non-conference schedule that included the likes of Greensboro College, Virginia Wesleyan College, and Gettysburg College; as well as CAC foe Salisbury State University. Gordon's questions were answered, as the Eagles advanced and hosted last year's National Championship event, and finished with a best-ever final ranking of third in the nation. Leading the way offensively for MWC was senior forward Jason Fusaro, who scored 13 goals and added nine assists. Rising junior rnidfielder Brian Turner emerged as an offensive threat, scoring nine goals and adding four assists, and senior captain Craig Gillan, the Capital Athletic Conference Player of the Year, chipped in with six goals and five assists

In addition to their success, the Eagles had a flair for the dramatic all season. In a 1-0 win over Frostburg State University (which came the day after a 2-1 overtime win over SUNY-Fredonia), the Eagles' Kevin Linton scored the game-winner with ten seconds remaining. The following week, Fusaro netted a penalty kick in the second overtime to lift the Eagles past Maryville College. There were also last-minute heroics by Fusaro against Catholic University and RandolphMacon (a game in which the Eagles trailed 1-0 with seven minutes remaining), but perhaps the most dramatic wins came in the South Regional Tournament. In both games, the Eagles found themselves behind by a goal with less than 15 minutes remaining. In the semifinals against Emory, MWC scored twice in regulation to advance to the Finals. The next day against Virginia Wesleyan, the Eagles hit the back of the net three times in an eight minute span to capture its first South Regional Championship The MWC defense was also stellar all season, allowing more than one goal in a game just twice all year. Defense is a total team effort, according to Coach Gordon. That the team allowed just 17 goals in 25 games is a testament to the efforts of all eleven players on the field.

Perhaps MWC's greatest strength continues to be its depth. The level of the team's play rarely dropped when reserves were inserted into the game, and more often than not, their play gave the team the lift it often needed to win games towards the end of regulation time. For that to hold true again in 1998, he must find replacements for six graduating seniors: Gillan, Fusaro, Les Currier, Ben Phelps, forward Kevin Byrne, and midfielder Ryan Forbrich. That group, headed by the All-America midfielder Gillan and All-Region forward Fusaro leaves the school with a four-year cumulative record of 69-15-5, a winning percentage of .803.

Heading the list of returnees will be All-CAC performers Dan Guarriello, Jordi Kleiman, and All-Region goalkeeper Nino. Brendan Madigan, a '96 All-conference pick, and Kelly Coffey, who had to sit out the majority of last season with injury, also return to solidify a strong defense, as does All-league midfielder Jeremy Corazzini. Turner, the team's top returning scorer, and Linton will also return at midfield, while forwards Jason Green and Brad Kelly will look to step up in Fusaro's absence in '98. Like a year ago, youth will play a key role in the development and success of the Eagles; several freshmen will need to make important contributions if the Eagles are to advance to their first-ever NCAA Championship this fall.