With a pair of OAC Regular Season Championships already on their resume, the 15 seniors on the Capital men's soccer team look to go for the hat trick and some national recognition in 2009.
Head coach Dwight Burgess, who guided Capital to its first OAC championship since 1989 back in 2007, says that how this team prepares to attain their goals will be no different from his previous squads.
"Our number one goal is for us to be in the position to compete for the OAC Title in the final two weeks of the season," Burgess said. "If we are, then our other goals are in reach."
Helping Capital stay in position for another title will be Capital's all-time leading scorer Steven McCarthy (Centerville, Ohio/Archbishop HS), who spent the summer training with the MLS champion Columbus Crew.
"I will give my all, personally and towards my team. I want people to look back at us and say that we turned the page in Capital soccer, and that we're regarded as being the best class that has ever come through here," said McCarthy, a three-time All-Region selection and the reigning OAC Forward of the Year.
Younger brother Danny McCarthy (Centerville, Ohio/Archbishop HS) looks to again be a force in the OAC after a freshmen season where he was recognized as the OAC Midfielder of the Year.
"I'd like to make the All- Region first team and become an All-American," said McCarthy, who was a third team All-Region performer in 2008. "Steven has been an All-American, so that has been a motivating factor for me. We're competitors, so I'm always pushing to be at his level. He's been a very positive influence for me. In addition, the better that each one of us plays will make the team that much more successful. "
Senior Kevin Doran (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy HS) will be the core of an experienced defense that looks to do their part in defending their regular season title.
"When you're a champion, you have a bull's eye on your back and everyone in the OAC is after you," Doran said. "We have high expectations for this season and nothing short of completing our goals will satisfy us."
One goal that has eluded the team has been an OAC tournament championship, which guarantees an NCAA tournament berth.
"Everything has been accomplished here except for getting the OAC tournament championship, and playing in the NCAA tournament. I think that once we get into the NCAA's, we will really show the nation what this program is all about," McCarthy said.
Burgess, the 2007 Great Lakes Region Head Coach of the Year, feels that the team's biggest strength entering the season may be the strength and leadership of his senior class.
What is unique about this senior class is that they are replete with really good people, but they are also very talented players," Burgess said. "We have a mix of accomplished veterans and a group of seniors who are great team guys. Their attitude is going to mean a lot to the evolution of the team."
The men get things going with a home date against national power Ohio Wesleyan on Sept. 1 before traveling to Salisbury, Md. for the Elmer Lord Invitational.