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LAKER MEN'S SOCCER PREVIEW
Ben MaCrae is heading into his 5th year coaching the Iowa Lakes Men's Soccer team. This year, the Lakers will return to the pitch with a roster of 37 players to include 13 sophomore returners, 1 transfer, and 24 incoming first-year students.
"We are currently not in the NJCAA D1 rankings but expect to be later this season. We are predicted to finish 5th in our conference (out of 11) by other coaches."
Returning this season, are these three standout players, Adam Pritchard at Centre Back, Julio Rangel at Holding Mid, and Abel Gebrekiros at Attacking Mid. All three are going to be relied on heavily as they started many games last season and according to MaCrae, "will have a massive impact on the season ahead."
The team will also be relying on Connor Goldsworthy and Cameron Weston to create chance by making wide runs and delivering quality into the box.
Coach MaCrae has high hopes for incoming freshman Lutho Tom saying that "he is a new center mid from South Africa that will have plenty of followers. He comes from an excellent background and is a very grounded and humble young man."
Iowa Lakes Men's Soccer, has a demanding schedule this season that starts off with home matches against traditional powerhouse Cloud County Community College and last season's #3 finisher at nationals, Indian Hills Community College.
Despite the difficulties in this year's schedule Coach MaCrae is optimistic and excited about his club saying "I expect us to be in the mix-up at the end competing for the regional title."
Players to Watch
o Last Season Abel played in 17 games, starting 13 of them
o He scored seven goals which were the second most on the club
o He was third on the team with 18 points
o 2nd Highest Shooting % on the Team
o Levi played in 16 games, starting 5 of them
o Despite the low number of starts he was relied upon as a goal scorer as he scored seven goals
o Highest shooting % on the team
o Highest shot on goal % of all players returners
Photo ID: Photo of returner Abel Gebrekiros attached.
Other items: 2018 Schedule & Roster attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Men's Soccer Coach Ben MacRae at (712) 362-8609 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.