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Men's Soccer Outlook

Tantalizingly close. That’s how narrowly the Magic were edged from the Region XVI championship, losing 2-1 in double overtime to Jefferson College. The bitterness of the loss should have the squad hungry in its quest for its first title since 2000. A strong 17-4-1 season in 2007 saw many accolades, including All-Region first team honors for Corey Kossman (CBC) and Ben Hamilton (Glendale). Second team kudos went to talented defenders Eric Fuchs (Vianney) and Steve Jeon (Parkway South), and forward Ian Porta (Marquette). All-Conference first team picks were Kossman and Jeon, while Fuchs and Hamilton earned second team recognition.

Key returning players include midfielder Scott Gyllenborg (Lindbergh), a team leader and tenacious competitor who scored six goals and added six assists in 2007; speedy forward Ian Porta, who also scored six goals with seven assists; and talented ball-handler Matt Mantia (Oakville), who had five assists and a goal. Also back are defender Dennis Collins (St. Mary’s) and the versatile Mike Young (Lindbergh).

The Magic also signed three transfers from quality universities. Defender Eric Schmidt (Oakville) joins the Magic after a redshirt season at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Schmidt, a back, was a three-year starter at Oakville High School and was a first team All-Conference pick. He also won Defender of the Year honors. Former DeSmet standout Matt Schildz returns to the area after attending Drake University. Schildz led DeSmet to a 19-6 mark in 2006 while recording six assists as a midfielder playmaker. 

Among the new signees are a pair of stellar goalies -- Clayton Uptain (Cape Girardeau Central) and Chris Eason (Lindbergh). Uptain had eight shutouts as a high school senior while Eason notched six shutouts and a 1.30 goals against average.

Coach Brian Smugula hopes scoring punch will come from Post-Dispatch All-Metro honoree Justin Billmeyer (Gibault, Ill.) who had 19 goals and 4 assists; forward Steve McMahon (Lafayette), who knocked in 13 goals with 5 assists; Britton Gibbs (Eureka), who had 10 goals and 4 assists; and Taylor Landon (Marquette), who had 8 goals and 3 assists.

Other signees include Austin Killian (Lindbergh), Tony Pancer, who scored nine goals for Vianney, and Brett Bozesky (CBC).