On paper, the men's soccer team should have trouble replacing three-time Universal Athletic Association selection Ben Premo '09, the fifth-leading scorer in school history, but this year's men's soccer team expects an improvement in their disappointing 8-9-2 record last season. The 2008 to 2009 team failed to reach the postseason for the first time since 2005."Unfortunately, the last two years we were very average. I think that this team is a lot better than the teams we have had the past couple years," said coach Michael Coven, who is entering his 37th year with the University. "I think we've got some seasoned veterans and a good group of young freshmen, so I am hopeful that we will have a great season."

Coven hopes to feature a different attacking style this season to replace Premo's goal-scoring ability. He believes his team's offensive strategy became complacent and predictable when focused entirely on their former star: "When you have a player of that caliber, everyone looks for [Premo] to score, and we became very predictable."

The team will hopefully feature a more creative, multifaceted approach this season.

"Without a go-to guy, we might have 10 go-to guys. I think we will be a better overall team with more players sharing the responsibility for scoring goals."

Corey Bradley '10 and Adam Guttman '10 will serve as captains for the Judges this season.

Bradley started 18 games for the Judges in 2008, and while he totaled only one assist in his midfield role, he earned All-UAA honorable mention.

"He was one of the top players in the UAA last year. He has the ability to take guys on one-on-one and really break down defenses, opening up the attacking third of the field with his speed," Coven said.

Coven is optimistic about his incoming rookie class, especially center midfielder Joe Eisenbies '13. Eisenbies impressed Coven by winning the annual two-mile team run on the first day of practice Aug. 22, an "unusual feat for a freshman." Coven also has high hopes for Sam Ocel '13 and Lee Russo '13, saying "[Eisenbies, Ocel and Russo] right off the bat will play quite a bit and maybe start. They have all been looking good."

Sean O'Hare '12, the 2008 to 2009 Justice rookie of the year, will not be returning to the men's soccer team. O'Hare won the starting goalkeeper position for the Judges in his rookie season but also played shortstop and centerfield for the baseball team. O'Hare will only suit up for the baseball team this season.

The parting of ways was entirely amicable, according to Coven, "Baseball's gain is my loss; Sean potentially could have been one of the greatest goalies [Brandeis] has ever had. . [O'Hare] is a quality kid and a wonderful athlete, and it was my pleasure coaching him last year."

Taylor Bracken '10-returning after a year away from the team-and Matt Lynch '11 will compete for the goalkeeper position.

If the Judges have any chance at a return to the postseason, it will have to be through their improved depth and an increased team-first strategy.

"Right now I think we'll have the depth so that if someone in our starting 11 gets hurt, we can replace them," Coven said.

The Judges will face the Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Wheaton College to begin the season. The two are part of the four- team Adidas Kick-Off Classic, which will also feature the Southern Maine Huskies and the host Wheaton College Lyons.