Critical success factors for Saint Louis in 2004 include the ability of the Billiken midfielders and backline to hold their own defensively against their more physical opponents,  the extent to which the sophomores have improved after a year of collegiate play, a balanced attack, and team leadership.  Regardless of the final outcome the faithful who come out to Robert R. Hermann Stadium to support the Billikens will be treated to a very exciting year of college soccer in 2004.  Ten of St. Louis’ sixteen regular season contests will be played in the friendly confines of Robert R. Hermann Stadium.   

 

St. Louis will open the 2004 season at home on September 1 against Missouri-St. Louis and then will travel to Milwaukee to face conference foe Marquette.   The Billikens then host Virginia from the Atlantic Coast Conference and SMU from the Missouri Valley Conference at Hermann Stadium before going on the road to face George Mason and St. John’s in the St. John’s Nike Classic.  Those matches will give Donigan a good indication of the strength of his team, particularly the defense which will be tested early, before beginning the heart of their CUSA schedule which begins when the Billikens travel to Tampa to face what should be a very competitive South Florida squad on September 25.  Indiana from the Big Ten Conference will take the pitch in Hermann Stadium on October 31 in a match that promises to have an impact on the national scene.

 

The St. Louis 2004 roster includes six new freshmen recruits as well as Brett Branan who is a transfer from Clemson.  Donigan focused his 2004 recruiting efforts on filling the gaps that exist in the backline.  Regarding the recruits Donigan stated, “We are thrilled that we are able to continue to attract some of the most talented student-athletes that our country has to offer, which allows us to continue our national prominence.” 

 

St. Louis University 2004 Recruiting Class  

 

Brett Branan - Defender - Branan is from Lakeville, Minnesota out of the St. Paul Academy and Summit School.  He is a senior who is a transfer from Clemson University where he appeared in all but one of the Tigers’ games during the 2003 season with 11 starts.  While at Clemson Branan tallied five goals and added five assists in 50 games.  Donigan stated “With the departure of three senior defenders from last year’s team, Brett will add some leadership and maturity both on and off the field.  He’s big, strong in the air, and technically sound with the ball at his feet.”

 

Tim Ward - Defender - Ward is from Waukesha, Wisconsin.  He attended the Edison Academic Center in Bradenton, Florida and is a member of the U.S. U-17 National Team.  Donigan stated “We expect Tim to capably fill the void left by Nick Gannon’s graduation.”  Donigan added “Tim is a very technical left-sided defender with great tackling and distribution abilities.  He reads the game well and comes to SLU with great maturity and experience.”

 

Pat Disbennet - Goalkeeper - Disbennet is from Webster Groves, Missouri out of Webster Groves High School where he posted 15 shutouts and recorded a 0.63 goals against average last year.  He played under coach Tim Cashel who is a former Billiken goalkeeper and assistant coach. Disbennet was named a Second Team St. Louis Post Dispatch All-Metro selection.  Donigan stated, “Pat possesses all of the physical tools to be a quality keeper at this level.”  Even though we have veteran keepers on our roster, we expect Pat to compete for playing time immediately.”  

 

Brandon Gasparovic - Defender - Gasparovic is from St. Louis, Missouri out of Christian Brothers.  He was named the Gatorade Missouri State Player of the Year last year and was an NSCAA High School All-America selection.  He was named the Defender of the Year by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and was an All-State selection.  Donigan stated, “Brandon adds another quality player to an already strong defensive unit.  He reads the game extremely well, is technically solid and is a great competitor.”  Donigan added, “He has the ability to compete for playing time immediately.”

 

David Greathouse - Goalkeeper - Greathouse is a freshman from St. Louis, Missouri out of Whitfield High School.

 

Nick Ciccirelli - Midfielder/Forward - Ciccirelli is a freshmen from Peoria, Illinois out of Notre Dame.

 

Andrew Reeder - Midfielder - Reeder is a freshman from Burlington, N.J. out of the Pennington School.