Oklahoma City University will bank on new sources of production to emerge in its quest to match last year's NAIA men's soccer semifinals finish.

The Stars advanced further than any OCU men's soccer team, going 20-3-1 with the regular-season Sooner Athletic Conference championship in 2008. OCU will need to replace its leading scorer as well as its defensive captain from a year ago.
OCU opens the year at noon Saturday against Huston-Tillotson (Texas) in Austin, Texas. The third-ranked Stars have been favored to win the conference.

“It was a tremendous year last year making the final four and winning the conference,” OCU coach Brian Harvey said. “We lost a few key players that will be difficult to replace. We believe we have enough bodies to cover our losses.”

Harvey, the NAIA's leader in men's and women's soccer wins, will have key pieces in place for another run this year.

Stuart Hilton will be one of three returning all-Americans for the Stars. Hilton, a junior from Liverpool, England, had six goals and three assists in becoming a second-team NAIA all-American. “Stuart Hilton will help anchor the midfield,” Harvey said.

Andy Fitzpatrick spearheaded OCU's stingy defense covering the goal. Fitzpatrick, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., put together eight shutouts on the way to becoming an honorable-mention all-American.

“Andy Fitzpatrick had a tremendous year last year at goalkeeper,” Harvey said. “He made major contributions to our success.”

Brandon Hull has been a key part of OCU's defense over the past three years. Hull, a senior from Yukon, Okla., posted two goals and an assist in earning all-SAC honors. “Brandon Hull should have been an all-American,” Harvey said.

Luke Garvey triggers the OCU offense with his ability to set up teammates. Garvey, a senior from Liverpool, England, recorded two goals and nine assists last year. “Luke Garvey on the right will be in his senior year and will look to go back to nationals,” Harvey said.

A position-by-position look at the Stars:

Forward

OCU will retool its front line this year. Alex Gang will be the Stars' most experienced player manning the striker position. Gang, a junior from Seoul, South Korea, had six goals and five assists last year. Gang made first-team all-SAC and the all-tournament team of the NAIA Championships.

Preston Cox, a freshman from Edmond, Okla., joins the Stars after a highly-touted prep career. “Preston Cox is a versatile player who could play in the midfield or forward,” Harvey said.

Peiman Pahlevan and Valentin Ponce, both freshmen from Stockholm, Sweden, will provide experience. “I believe they will help us and make practices more competitive,” Harvey said.

Midfield

Besides Garvey and Hilton, John Dill provides another skilled passer for the Stars. Dill, a junior from Broken Arrow, Okla., recorded five goals and 12 assists last year on the way to all-conference acclaim. “John Dill will also help anchor the midfield,” Harvey said.

Steven Short, a sophomore from Durban, South Africa, joined OCU after having five goals for NAIA champion Bethel (Tenn.). “Short will bring us creativity on the left side,” Harvey said.

Ryan Hunter, a freshman from Tulsa, Okla., and Matt Mason, a freshman from Mustang, Okla., were brought in to provide depth. “Ryan Hunter is a very creative midfield player who will provide cover,” Harvey said. “Matt Mason is a versatile athlete who could play at defender or midfielder.”

Daniel Kapple, a freshman from Oklahoma City, and Trevor Rush, a freshman from Mustang, Okla., “are young players who will see limited time, but will strengthen our bench,” Harvey said. Jason Gidney and Drew Tonseth could also make their mark here.

Defense

Chris Spendlove is OCU's other returning all-American and top returning scorer. Spendlove, a junior from Liverpool, England, tallied nine goals and four assists and became conference defensive player of the year and an honorable-mention all-American. Harvey said, “Chris Spendlove had a splendid season.”

A.J. Franks will be counted on to seize a starting role. Franks, a senior from Broken Arrow, Okla., has made 17 starts these past three years. “A.J. Franks returns after doing very well these past three years,” Harvey said. “He is a good athlete.”

Nathan Doll, a freshman from Tulsa, Okla., has an opportunity to make a quick impact. “Nathan Doll is a very good defender,” Harvey said. “I expect him to start as a freshman.”

At goalkeeper, OCU returns a veteran and brought in a freshman to provide depth behind Fitzpatrick. Tyler Morrissey, a senior from Edmond, Okla., and Jeff Ray, a freshman from Euless, Texas, will be the backups.

Harvey believes this year's recruiting haul could fill the Stars' needs.

“We had success bringing in good players,” Harvey said. “We lost our leading goal scorer. Someone will need to fill his shoes. Obviously if you aim to get to nationals, you will need to stay strong defensively. Hopefully the big holes can be adequately taken care of.”