Creighton’s 1-2 loss to Seattle University in the NCAA tournament marked the first time in years that Head Coach Elmar Bolowich hadn’t made the College Cup. While failing to reach these lofty standards shouldn’t signal panic in the program, I think Bolowich himself would be the first person to tell you that this team underachieved on the year.
Moving to the Big East was always going to be difficult. On top of the new conference season, the Jays scheduled grueling early season matches against many NCAA caliber squads. Admittedly, Creighton felt it had a deep roster with more than enough players to overcome fatigue and injuries. However, injuries to Sean Kim and Fabian Herbers and reliance on a number of unproven players took its toll in what was arguably Creighton’s toughest schedule in the history of the program.
Despite the many short-comings Creighton fans should have high hopes once again come the Fall at Morrison Stadium. While the Jays lose a number of seniors they will also welcome the best recruiting class of players Bolowich and Torres have brought to the Hilltop in a number of years.
Creighton will also travel with a squad of roughly 20 players to Germany in mid-June to play three top level German clubs. This trip will likely help bond the squad and solidify roles and position heading into Fall practices.
Who’s Out ::
:: Eric Miller – Despite leaving the Creighton program a year early, Miller departs as one of the most decorated players in Creighton history. Miller started as a Freshman on the 2012 College Cup team at right back. His play was so impressive it earned him a call-up to the US U20 squad, a squad he would later join at the U20 World Cup in 2013. Miller would have likely played as a center midfielder in 2014, yet has the ability to play anywhere on the field, an attribute that will surely intrigue MLS front offices ::
:: Zach Barnes – Creighton’s on field leader will graduate and likely get his shot within MLS. The deep lying midfielder made plays that often went unnoticed, but his professionalism and composure helped settle the underclassmen ::
:: Bruno Castro – The UNC transfer was one who followed Bolowich from Capel Hill to the Hilltop. Castro was often used out wide during his career at Creighton and seemed to be playing his best football toward the end of the season. He came up with big goals and big plays throughout the year ::
:: Sean Kim – The enigmatic striker’s injury just a month into the season, really in my eyes, was a turning point for the season. Creighton’s lack of depth up top forced Bolowich into playing unproven players. Kim’s pace and work ethic allowed the teams more dangerous attacking players behind him to shine ::
:: Benito Amaral – Talented full back was often times limited to substitution appearances, but could have easily been a starter on a number of other top squads. Benito often came into matches and instantly changed games. Jays will miss his ability to provide width up and down the flanks ::
:: Carlos McCrary – I’ve said it before that McCrary was with a doubt the team’s top true striker, however his style did not jive with what the staff needed out of the striking position. McCrary’s build and fox-in-the-box mentality would be more successful in a two striker system, yet due to injuries and lack of depth Creighton could simply not afford to play as such ::
:: Sonny Makh – Makh became an solid role player by the end of the season. Makh could be counted on to enter matches and help steady the ship ::
Who’s In ::
2014 Creighton Commit Ricardo Lopez-Espin (Photo courtesy OWhenTheYanks.com)
:: Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Lopez-Espin – The 6’2” striker from Shattuck-St. Mary’s should play a major role with the 2014 Jays from the start. Lopez-Espin is currently at the US U20 National Team Camp under Head Coach Tab Ramos. Lopez-Espin has all the tools and skill set to become one of the top offensive players in the Big East from Day 1 ::
2014 Creighton Commit Lucas Stauffer (Photo courtesy of Stauffer’s Twitter profile)
:: Lucas Stauffer – Lopez-Espin’s teammate at Shattuck-St. Mary’s for a few seasons, before Stauffer left the United States to play for Danish club side Vejle Boldklub’s U19 squad. According to reports Stauffer has been playing very well and could be on the cusp of a first team offer. Stauffer is a stand-out futsal player, which translates to unbelievable technical control and precision on the pitch ::
:: Mitchell LaGro – LaGro has played for one of the top USSDA club teams, SC Solar Chelsea, since 2008. The 5’10” central defender is smooth on the ball and good in the air. LaGro might find it hard to find immediate playing time in front of incumbent’s Eric DeJulio and Brendan Hines-Ike but will provide needed depth on the back-line ::
Other’s Available ::
:: McAmos ‘Mike’ Paye – Diminutive midfielder committed to Creighton out of Enloe High School in 2011, but needed to get academics in order so enrolled at JC powerhouse Tyler CC. Paye lead Tyler to the NJCAA National Championship in 2012, and the Title game in 2013. Paye played for Bolowich’s club team in North Carolina for a number of years, and knows just what Bolowich requires out of his midfielders. Paye played a majority of minutes during his time at Tyler in the deep lying midfield spot, and could be a ready replacement for either Zach Barnes or Eric Miller in Bolowich’s 4-2-3-1 ::
:: Angel Rey Heredia – Talented midfielder spent time with US Residency, but resides in Northern California and currently plays with USSDA De Anza Force a club with strong connections to Creighton and Coach Torres in particular. Heredia would again provide a capable two way midfielder with experience and poise to start from Day 1 ::
:: Tyler Zych – Dallas stand-out for Hebron High School, plays with FC Dallas as well. Zych strong left foot and could be looked to help Jays with left sided depth ::
:: Enda O’Neill – Younger brother of current Colorado Rapids central defender Shane, played with current Creighton freshman Ricardo Perez for a number of seasons. O’Neill is a strong defender who can play anywhere on the back line of in a pinch as a defensive midfielder. With the graduation of Barnes, Creighton will likely continue to look for a defensive midfielder ::
:: Vernon Bailey – Imposing central defender from USSDA FC Dallas remains one of the top uncommitted players in the nation. Bolowich has had loads of success recruiting from the fruitful club ::
Way too early Creighton Starting XI ::
Possible 2014 Creighton Starting XI