Men's Soccer 9/1/2016 1:59:00 PM

"New" is the word for 2016 men's soccer team

Cassidy Dixon

If you were a fan of and familiar with the 2015 University of Hawai'I Hilo men's soccer team, you won't recognize much when you first set your eyes on the 2016 Vulcans.

For starters, there is a new leader at the helm. UHH assistant coach Gene Okamura takes the reigns of both the men's and women's program this fall, after serving three seasons on the bench. He has also been the head coach locally at Kamehameha School.

And about the starters, there aren't many of them returning from the '15 Vulcans.
Okamura can recognize only three players whose names were called out in the starting line-up a year ago, along with seven total returnees. The Vulcans had FIFTEEN seniors on the roster last year. That's a lot of bodies to replace, a fresh and new start for sure for Okamura.

"It is a challenge, without question," said Okamura, who hails from Hilo. "But the returning players that we do have are great leaders and are taking on the responsibility of helping to make the newcomers feel comfortable. That is a very important part of this transition."

Those returnees include seniors Cassidy Dixon and Anthony Novella, along with sophomore starter Trenton Hooper. Goalkeeper Dixon had a 1.48 goals against average a year ago with 29 saves, while fellow veteran Novella had 12 starts as a defender. Hooper had two goals and two assists from his forward position. Others with experience in a Vulcan uniform include seniors Edward Torrison and Josh Jasper, along with junior Andrew Dawrs.

"These guys are keys for us," Okamura confirmed.

So is his recruiting class, obviously.

"We have a very young team, but they are very talented," he praised. "We had a solid recruiting class."

Headlining that group is San Francisco State transfer Rodrigo Castellanos. "Rodrigo brings leadership to our group," Okamura said. "He feels comfortable stepping into that role. He is both a vocal leader and he also shows by example."

Freshman Jonathan Garcia is another first-year Vulcan that could make an immediate impact. He brings an aggressive offensive mindset to the squad. "He is explosive and dynamic," Okamura assessed. "He can break defenders down."

Other transfers vying for playing time include juniors Curtis Walker (Carson-Newman) and Kyran Johal (Santa Barbara CC), along with sophomore Connor Ebright (Whittier).

The rest of the new pieces will continue to shape the squad as the Vulcans get ready for their 2016 opening road trip, a jaunt that will take them to Idaho for matches against Westminster (Utah), Cal State Dominguez Hills and host Northwest Nazarene, on September 8, 10 and 12 respectively.

The Vulcans will then return "home" to open PacWest play on Saturday, Sept. 17 against Chaminade. That "home" is also new, as Okamura's teams (both the men and women) will host all of its games at Kamehameha this fall.

"It's a fantastic venue," he raved. "It will be a great atmosphere for both our players and the local soccer community. We will play some matches under the lights. It will be high energy on a great playing surface."

Last year, UHH finished 4-12-2 overall and 3-8-2 in the tough Pacific West Conference. Okamura sees no reason why the 2016 Vulcans couldn't improve on that.

"For a group that is such a mix of returnees, transfers and freshmen, our cohesiveness has been encouraging," he explained. "They are supporting each other and have been selfless. I believe that they will do what it takes to get things done. I feel good about where we are at."

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Players Mentioned

#5 Andrew Dawrs: MF; 5' 11"; Junior

#1 Cassidy Dixon: GK; 5' 11"; Senior

#4 Trenton Hooper: F; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#2 Anthony Novella: D; 5' 10"; Senior

#13 Edward Torrison: D; 5' 11"; Senior

#10 Jonathan Garcia: F/MF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#8 Rodrigo Castellanos: MF; 5' 7"; Junior

#17 Kyran Johal: F/MF; 5' 11"; Junior

#20 Curtis Walker: MF/D; 5' 6"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#5 Andrew Dawrs
: 5' 11"; Junior
: MF

#1 Cassidy Dixon
: 5' 11"; Senior
: GK

#4 Trenton Hooper
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: F

#2 Anthony Novella
: 5' 10"; Senior
: D

#13 Edward Torrison
: 5' 11"; Senior
: D

#10 Jonathan Garcia
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: F/MF

#8 Rodrigo Castellanos
: 5' 7"; Junior
: MF

#17 Kyran Johal
: 5' 11"; Junior
: F/MF

#20 Curtis Walker
: 5' 6"; Junior
: MF/D