Although narrowly missing an NCAANational Tournament berth for the second straight season, the '95 Eagles again cracked the record books. After an 0-2 start, Mary Washington lost just one match in its next 17 decisions, including aschool-record-tying 12-match unbeaten streak.
During that stretch, the Eagles outscored opponents, 41-3. All of MWC's losses carne to eventual NCAATournament teams. The Eagles notched an impressive win over then nationally ranked Binghamton University, as well as a tie against eventual NCAA entrant Greensboro College. And, for the fifth consecutive season, MWC captured the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Tournament title.
A balanced scoring attack saw 14 different players find the net. But it was a staunch defense which keyed the Eagle success. For the season, MWC allowed 11 goals, just one more than the school record. The Eagles paced the CAC in shutouts (12) and fewest goals allowed (0.51/match). During its unbeaten stretch, MWC outscored opponents, 41-3.
Gordon said that his players succeeded because they understood their particular roles. "We stress to our team that when we have possession, all 10 field players must be willing to be part of the attack," said Gordon. "However, once possession is lost, all must defend. This is an attitude which produces goals, but also creates a team which is defensively sound."
The major "settling influence" on a somewhat-young team was sweeper Jeff Kramer (Sr./Springfield, VA), the CAC Player of the Year. Kramer, the '95 captain, was named a Second-Team All-America. Joining Kramer on the All-CAC First Team were forward Chris Blelloch (Jr./Hampton, VA) and midfielder Gustavo Rodriguez (So./ Alexandria, VA). Blelloch, a Second Team All-Region choice, paced MWC with nine goals, while Rodriguez had two goals and six assists for 10 points.
Midfielder Caz Yasutis (Sr./ Alexandria, VA; nine points) and keeper Jim Hummel (Jr./Fairfax Station, VA; 0.44 goals allowed/game) - a 1996 tricaptain - were named to the All-CAC Second Team. Three other talented forwards return along with Blelloch for a potentially standout foursome. Jason Fusaro (So./Huntington Station, NY) tied Blelloch for the team lead with 21 points; Fusaro had six goals and a team-high nine assists. Jay Hartey (Fr./Hershey, PA) had 17 points on seven goals, three assists, while converted fullback Ryan Forbrich (So./ Camp Hill, PA) added 16 points, on five goals and six assists.
A young midfield should be a much improved facet of the '96 scheme. Joining Rodriguez are returnees Craig Gillan (So./Kennett Square, PA; four goals), a '96 tri-captain, Jeremy Corazzini (Fr./Midlothian, VA), Ben Phelps (So./Winchester, VA), Tim Jones (Fr./ Mclean, VA) and Kevin Linton (Fr./Vienna, VA). Anchoring the back line will be returning starters Les Currier (Jr./Stafford, VA), a '96 tri-captain, and John Kraft (Sr./Woodbridge, VA), along with promising veteran Dave Kohne (Fr./Fairfax, VA).
Pushing for time in goal will be Ed Burrier (Fr./Fairfax, VA), who allowed just 0.52 goals/match (three shutouts) while Hummel nursed a leg injury. Gordon believes that the aforementioned returnees - along with the incoming recruiting class - can continue the outstanding soccer tradition at MWC. "Each season, we allow our style of play to evolve, based on the individual abilities of our players," said Gordon. "In '94, we were pretty direct in the attack, while this year we were able to possess the ball a bit more, working through the midfield and into the feet of our strikers."