Every day this week, WBR will preview a different part of the 2012 Creighton Bluejays men’s soccer team. Today in part four of our preview we tackle the forwards for this year’s squad.
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Despite making the College Cup, and having a first round All-American forward in Ethan Finlay, the 2011 Creighton Bluejays men’s soccer team only managed to tally 1.67 goals per game. Thanks to a historically stingy defense in 2011, a one-goal lead was more than enough to get the win. This season the Bluejays will likely need to double their offense output, and the talent is there.
Carlos McCrary (#14)
The North Carolina transfer has looked very sharp in front of goal during in his short career on the Hilltop. McCrary had an excellent summer playing in the NPSL with the Madison 56ers, netting 17 goals and NPSL Player of the Year honors. McCrary makes excellent runs, has a powerful shot, and displays a poachers mentality. Look for McCrary to lead the line when it matters.
Sean Kim (#9)
Despite Kim’s lack of size (5’8”/140), he has shown the ability to fill the lone strikes role. Kim has a deft first touch, great ball skills and has shown cohesiveness with team leaders Ribas, Barnes, and Ribeiro already. Kim can be deployed as either a lone striker, or wide on the right.
Myles Englis (#16)
Englis joined the Creighton program from powerhouse soccer school Darlington Academy. Englis has already drawn comparisons to the last Creighton #16, Ethan Finlay. Englis’ pace and ball striking ability put him in line for valuable minutes this fall. Englis can either play up top or out wide on either flank.
Verdict:
McCrary should be the starting forward, with Kim or midfielders Timo Pitter or even Bruno Castro providing coverage at times. Englis will also get his shot up top but will more likely be used as a winger this year.