2007 - Georgia State University Athletics

2007 Season Outlook
With 10 talented newcomers and nine returning letterwinners, the Georgia State men’s soccer team is confident
and ready to reach new highs in the Colonial Athletic Association in 2007.
“We had excellent practices in the spring and a great summer workout program
thanks to our strength and conditioning coaches,” noted Coach Kerem Daser, who
enters his eighth year at the helm. “The won-loss record may not show it yet, but we
know we have improved since our move into the CAA. We have been through some
fires now and know what it takes to win in this league.”
Daser knows the difference in becoming winners is attainable with slight improvement
as he pointed to the seven one-goal losses last year. “We have some impact
recruits and with some injured players returning, we should have a quality team. We
just have to play hungry from day one. We can’t just play attractive soccer and possess
the ball, we have to simply play effective and winning soccer.”
One major source of optimism for Daser is the addition of size and speed to the
team, especially on defense. “We must step up just a little more as I think we built
some character after what we have been through.”
Spenser Sumpter
Daser will also welcome the new home field in Panthersville. “We are really looking forward to having this better
field and having the support of our friends and former players to develop a home field advantage.”
“Our priorities in looking at the schedule will be to try to get off to a good start with two home matches and
really finish strong with six of our last matches at home,” the eighth year coach added. The 18-match regular
season includes nine home games, up from just six the team had last year. It features 11 matches in the CAA, a
league rated ninth highest in the RPI of the 32 conferences.
“We have added some true impact players and our skill levels have improved with our returning players as well,
so we are quite optimistic,” Daser concluded.
Forwards
Junior Dathan Knott, who suffered an injury-plagued sophomore season, after
his All-CAA rookie campaign will lead the four forwards. Knott had a 20-point
freshman campaign that tailed off to just five points last year as a result of his
injuries. “I think Dathan can return to the outstanding level of his freshman year
because he has worked hard in the spring and summer and is stronger now,” Daser
noted.
The top addition to the front line is freshman Brian Forero, who may have been
the best striker in Georgia prep soccer last year. “This young man has the ability to
get behind defenders and break a game open,” Daser pointed out.
Dathan Knott
In addition, Patricio Pinto-Salinas comes from Middle Georgia College where
he led his team in scoring and was a junior college
honorable mention selection in the Southern Conference.
Midfielders
“Getting Floreal Pedrazo back healthy will add a major missing piece to our
puzzle,” Daser mentioned in referring to his senior. Pedrazo transferred from
Birmingham Southern where he had scored 45 points in his two seasons there.
“I expect Flo to become our team leader and a top player as well as challenging
for All-CAA honors,” Daser predicted. “He is definitely one of the fastest players
I have coached in 10 years at State. When he is on, I think almost all of our op-
Joe Devito
five time conference champions