Season Preview: Consistency is Key for Men's Soccer
South Carolina men’s soccer had some great moments last year, now fourth-year head coach Tony Annan is looking for consistency so the program can take the next step.
“This season has to be about consistency and trying to maintain that competitive edge,” Annan said. “This year, we have more depth than we have ever had at each position. This year we will be able to make changes and roll players in and out so we can rest players because of that depth.”
The Gamecocks went 6-9-3 overall last year, highlighted by a 1-0 win over #14 Kentucky and a stunning 2-1 victory over top-ranked Central Florida in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. It marked the first win in program history over a No. 1 ranked team.
With nine returning players and more than a dozen newcomers, including several from the transfer portal, Annan likes the experience of his team and hopes to see a lot of them step into leadership roles.
“Leadership isn’t about one person,” Annan said. “The more people you can turn into leaders or make realize they are good at leading in different ways, that would benefit our team.
“There’s a good vibe with the guys we have returning, so if we can mesh those things together and be consistent, then everything will be OK.”
“Mika Habel (#14) (3 assists) is a sophomore midfielder who will be a captain. There will probably be one other. I’m looking for seven or eight to be leaders.
“Jonah Biggar (1 goal) was probably the most successful freshman we had last year. He played tons of minutes. He is an excellent player. He seems to be really locked in and focused. I’m looking for a lot from him going into his sophomore year.
“Sebastian Reventlow-Mourier (above, gray shirt) (1 goal, 3 assists at East Tennessee State University) at central midfield can come in and be a leader and an impact player. Gabriel Atienza (Oral Roberts University) comes in with some really good experience. They’re both in their last year of college and have played a lot of minutes.”
As summer turns to fall, Annan is excited to see how it all comes together on the pitch.
“There’s a good vibe with the guys we have returning, so if we can mesh those things together and be consistent, then everything will be OK,” Annan said.
“I’m looking forward to the competition. It’s been a steep learning curve with the constant changing of the college landscape with NIL and the transfer portal. It’s not just about teaching and developing. You almost have to be like a CEO.”
