GREEN BAY, Wis. – In just over a day, the Green Bay men's soccer team will take the field at Aldo Santaga Stadium to open the regular season against the Memphis Tigers. The Phoenix will look to take another step forward under Head Coach Jeremy Bonomo, who will begin his ninth season at the helm of the program, after finishing 6-3-7 last year.
Here are four things to know about the upcoming season:
1. Defense wins championships.
Green Bay returns the core of their stellar defensive group, which boasted a Horizon League-best 0.81 GAA last year. Goalkeeper Tobias Jahn was nothing short of sensational in the box in 2022, tallying 57 saves (.814 save percentage) while surrendering just 13 goals in 16 contests.
A big reason for John's success was GB's back line – one that ranked among the best in the country last season. Hesron Barry led that line by playing in 15 of 16 games while garnering a Defensive Player of the Week award on Sept. 6, 2022. After the season concluded, he was named to the United Soccer Coaches Association All-North Region Second Team. Recently, the USCA also named him to the 2023 NCAA Division I Players to Watch List.
2. The offense could do some damage.
The Phoenix averaged just over a goal per game last season but made some strides late last season. GB scored 18 total goals and spread the wealth, with 10 different Phoenix finding the back of the net, including six that scored two or more times.
Junior Andrew Paolucci and sophomore Keegan Walker led the offensive threat in 2022, tying for the team lead in goals with three apiece. Paolucci was efficient all around, assisting on two other goals while racking up 15 shots and seven shots on goal. He was responsible for the go-ahead goal in the season-opening 2-1 victory over Eastern Illinois on August 25, 2022.
Walker also provided a spark for GB. He tied Josh Johansen for the most shots on the team (27) and was one of three Phoenix to have 10 or more shots on goal, posting a .556 shot-on-goal percentage.
3. Green Bay added seven to the 2023 roster.
Head Coach Jeremy Bonomo announced on July 19 the additions to the roster, reeling in three transfers and four true freshmen. Myles Sophanavong (SIUE), Kazuki Okazaki (Southern Nazarene), and Josh Snyder (Hartford) represent the three transfers. Luke Nicholson, Baylor Denu, Drew Swancutt, and Oscar Arroyo are the four freshmen. Denu and Arroyo are from Wisconsin, with Arroyo coming from Kimberly. Denu is a native of Beloit, Wisconsin.
4. The schedule is favorable.
Green Bay will play 16 total games in 2023, eight each on the road and at home. The Phoenix will be on the road for no more than two in a row. GB begins the year with three consecutive home games (Memphis, Western Illinois, and Southern Indiana), and ends the season by playing three of five at home. GB will have some tests, battling against Boston College, Bradley, and Northwestern.
Highlights of the 2023 offseason:
December 8, 2022: Hesron Barry was named to the United Soccer Coaches Association All-North Region Second Team.
January 23, 2023: Six players were named to the Horizon League Fall Honor Roll.
July 5, 2023: Five players were named to the Horizon League Spring Honor Roll.
July 7, 2023: The complete 2023 schedule was released.
July 19, 2023: The team adds seven to the 2023 roster.
August 17, 2023: Men's soccer alumni are invited to a celebration of the late legendary coach, Aldo Santaga, on Alumni Weekend.
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