It is a new season and the defending Atlantic Sun Conference champions refuse to rest on their laurels; they want more. Last season Stetson won the league championship tournament and earned its second-ever berth in the NCAA tournament. Simply getting to the first round and playing USF was not enough to satisfy the Hatters. This year they want more.

"Last season in the A-Sun we finished second in the regular season and then won the tournament on the road", said Stetson head coach T. Logan Fleck. "This season we want to win the regular season so we can host the tournament for our fans, win the conference championship, and then continue on the NCAA tournament, get to the Final Four, and win it."

"The goal for any team that takes itself serious [or not] is to get to the Final Four and win it. So those are our three goals and that is what we are going after", he added.

Although the Hatters lost some key seniors to graduation after last season including the league's scoring champion and the A-Sun Defensive Player of the year, they have added some quality talent with tremendous potential.

Goalkeepers

One of the most impressive newcomers will be challenging juniors Logan Potter (Merritt Island, Fla.) and Dan Billman (Troy, Mo.) for the starting role between the pipes. For a young player freshman Andreas Schnabl (Blaichach, Germany) has solid command of the goal area, quickness and the ability to cut off angles. He has the ability to step right in and play at the collegiate level.

Potter started all 20 games for the Hatters last season and was one of the top keepers in the conference. He made 96 saves, delivered six shutouts and finished with a 1.39 goals against average. Unfortunately he sustained an injury over the semester break, was not available for the spring season, and continues his rehabilitation. Billman, who has been waiting for his opportunity stepped in and played very well in the spring. All three keepers will have an equal opportunity to become the starter in 2010.

Defenders

Although last season's team captain and leader Robert Hodge will certainly be missed, three of Stetson's starting back four return to defend the team's honor. Dan Sackman (Hampshire, England), Ryan Corning (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) and Matt Hoskins (Marietta, Ga.) are all top-quality defenders who helped lead the team to a league-high six shutouts in 2009. Sackman is a hard-nosed back who leads by example, Corning, a member of the 2009 A-Sun All-Tournament Team makes it difficult for opponents to beat the Hatters on the back post, and Hoskins has the work ethic and heart of a champion. Hoskins returns to the pitch this season after suffering serious life-threatening health issues over the last year.

Competing for the fourth position, as well as playing time on the back line will be a pair of returners and a trio of incoming freshmen. Josh Menendez (Tampa, Fla.) and Kevin Ruckle (Miami, Fla.) return as juniors this season. Menendez saw time last season in some crucial games. If his fitness continues to improve he will fight for a bigger role. Ruckle will also be a factor in the competition for time on the field.

Raffaele Centofanti (Miami Lakes, Fla.) is a very talented defender who played for the Venezuelan Under 17 National Team. He is a hard tackler who comes forward and serves a very dangerous ball. Chris Aguirre (North Miami Beach, Fla.) is an experienced ODP player who has good composure and technique with the ball. Jonatan Almosninos (Ramat Gan, Israel) is a 22-year old center back who will bring his maturity, tackling ability, and tactical understanding. He is likely to make an immediate impact on the back line. Fellow freshman Carrington Hogan (Clearwater, Fla.) is a hard tackler that can get forward, yet will not play in 2010 due to injury.

Midfielders

Stetson returns an experienced and very talented group of midfielders to the field this season. Leading the way will be the 2010 A-Sun Preseason Player of the Year Fredrik Brustad (Oslo, Norway). Brustad who also plays forward, earned First Team All-Conference and All-Tournament Team honors in 2009. With his accolades and reputation he will have a target on his back. He is expected to perform at crucial times and thus will be covered intensely. The attention he is given should help open up the field for his talented teammates.

Juniors Gonzalo de Mujica (Weston, Fla.) and Giulio D'Amore, along with sophomore sensation Jonathan Mendoza (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) are the three top returners to join Brustad at midfield. According to Coach Fleck de Mujica is "poised and ready to shine"  the "Mistro of the Midfield" knows how to "pull the strings" and "conduct play" for his fellow players. Fleck is looking for the 2008 All-Freshman team member to be more involved in year three. Senior Giulio D'Amore (Deland, Fla.) is a team leader who did a great job defensively last season and will look to expand his role offensively in 2010. Jonathan Mendoza (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) is another midfielder who will see some time up front as well. Dubbed "Speed Racer" by the scoring table, Mendoza is an ultimate competitor. He does what is necessary for the team rather than seek to achieve his own goals. he was a major part of Stetson's success last season and received All-Freshman Team honors for his efforts. He was also named to the Preseason All-Conference team this year.

In addition there are three more midfielders who could start at most schools and will certainly see their share of playing time in 2010. Junior Ryan Asare-Bediako (Tampa, Fla.) and sophomores Kai Eckenrode (Springfield, Va.) and Luis Ocejo (Mexico City, Mex.) have all played significant roles in the past and will again this year. Asare-Bediako played in 19 games last season and scored a pair of goals including a game-winner. As his touch and speed continue to improve his playing time will increase further. Eckenrode and Ocejo played in 12 and 11 games respectively as freshmen. They both played in the PDL over the summer which will help with their experience and fitness heading into 2010.

The final four midfielders who will compete for time this season are sophomore Caleb Matthews (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.), freshmen Evan Jimmo (Melbourne, Fla.) and AJ Cardounel (Davie, Fla.), and junior Stephan Ledain (Mississagua, Ontario, Canada). Matthews entered the preseason showing definite improvement in fitness level and touch. Jimmo has a very good tactical understanding and as his strength continues to improve will be a great asset with his height. Cardounel is a crafty midfielder who also has solid tactical understanding. Ledain has improved touch and speed and will look to gain more time in the midfield and left back positions.

Forwards

Coming into the recruiting season Coach Fleck  and Coach Dutt knew they had a challenge ahead trying to replace the offense lost with the graduations of Kevin Munz and Griffin Gilstrap. It seems that their hard work has paid off. Joining returning junior Matt Delisle (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) who will compete for time, are two talented junior transfers. Niels De Jonck (Antwerp, Belgium) will bring his touch, goal scoring ability, and powerful shot to the Stetson attack. Joakim Helland (Bergen, Norway) comes to the Hatters from St. John's University. He has the ability to hold the ball and bring others into the game with his distribution skills. He will help fill the void left by graduation.

Respect for the Stetson soccer program has spread throughout the league, as well as the country. In the A-Sun's preseason coaches' poll Stetson was picked to win the regular season and repeat as tournament champions.

"It will be harder to win this year than it was last year", said Fleck. "Once you have won, when you come back it is tougher to win again.

"This early on we are an unknown quantity", he added. " We are not sure where we are yet but we know where we want to head... Destination Championship!"

Stetson will open the season this Wednesday, September 1 when it hosts Johnson & Wales at 7:00 p.m. The A-Sun title defense will begin October 1 against Belmont in Nashville, and conclude October 31 in DeLand against Jacksonville.