Zags set goal to get goals

The Gonzaga University men’s soccer team opens its season against Washington today, which should remind the Bulldogs of what went wrong in 2003 and what they hope will change in 2004.

“We lost to them 1-0 at their place,” Bulldogs coach Einar Thorarinsson said. “That was sort of the story last season for us. We lost by one goal probably 70 percent of the games.”

For that to change, GU must do what every soccer team in the land is trying to do – score more goals. The Bulldogs scored 26 goals last year, just 11 in the second halves of games. They dropped eight consecutive matches, four by shutout, to conclude the season.

“I don’t like to blame it on injuries, but we did lose Rob Anderson and Grayson Tenney and another central midfielder to injuries that left us thin on defense,” Thorarinsson said. “Due to that, we tried to protect the goal more than going after the other goal. Some of the guys up front were trying to help us by defending more than they needed to.”

That shouldn’t be an issue this season. The Bulldogs are healthy and Thorarinsson is eager to see his club in action.

“With all the defenders back and a solid midfield line we can build out of the back and possess the ball,” he said. “The only question, which is a question for most teams: Can we score on a consistent basis? If we can, then a lot of problems with the team are solved.”

Arni Ingi Pjetursson, who led GU in points (five goals, five assists) last season, is back for his senior season. More important, he’s healthy. Senior forward Mike Herzog, who scored twice last season, also returns.

“Arni has never been 100 percent; it’s been one thing after another,” Thorarinsson said. “He had a hip injury his first couple years, then nagging muscle injuries.”

One Bulldog who isn’t healthy is goalkeeper Vito Higgins, who will redshirt while he recovers from a knee injury. Sophomore Sean Sosnovec is the probable starter, backed up by former North Idaho College keeper Tyler Rutz.

“We have two guys that have never played at this level, but they’re both older players and they’re showing good promise,” Thorarinsson said.

That’s a trait Thorarinsson sees throughout the roster.

“We’re very team oriented and the guys support each other well. We’re still a young team, but they’re a great bunch of guys to coach,” he said. “I know we can organize and play defense. I want to see what we can do in front of the opponent’s goal.”