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Miller Wants More From Men's Soccer Team

ANDERSON, S.C. -- Anderson College men's head soccer coach Rob Miller wants more out of his program. Much more. The Trojans were 9-8-0 last fall to notch their first winning season since moving to NCAA Division II in 1998. Even though Miller was pleased to get a winning record in just his second season with the program, he is far from satisfied. "Last year was the start of something new, but I want to surpass what we did last year," Miller said. "I want us to get stronger in every area. I want to win more games, I want us to improve in the classroom, and I want us to continue to grow. I want our program to be attractive to recruits. I want players to know they're coming into a winning environment." During the off-season, Miller believes he addressed his team's biggest need - more athleticism. "I thought we had a skillful team last year, but we needed to add some athleticism," Miller said. "I think some of the new guys bring us that athleticism." Anderson returns a solid nucleus from the '04 team, including three seniors - goalkeeper Jack Ward (Easley, S.C.), and midfielders Clint Gillis (Columbus, Ohio) and Wrenel Roberts (Armia, Trinidad). "We return nine players who played substantial time last year," Miller said. "I think Jack, Clint, and Wrenel all will be significant players for us." Miller also is counting on midfielders Michael Zion (Spartanburg, S.C.), Tolu Popoola (London, England) and Jon Scott (Spartanburg, S.C.) and defender Michael Walker (Spartanburg, S.C.). Zion was second on the team in scoring last season. "Talu was really strong in the spring," Miller said. "Michael Zion is one of our more talented players. Michael Walker and Jon are two guys who have worked their way up from walk-on status." The newcomers to the Anderson program include a mixture of freshmen and transfers. "Last year we had 14 freshmen come in," Miller said. "This year we have new players with more experience. The transfer players bring a different complexion to the team. They're a little more mature. If a player comes in as a junior, we're going to play them right away. The freshmen we're bringing have played on good club teams, so they've played at a high level. The adjustment is not going to be quite as great for them. I feel positive about the kids who are coming in. "We have eight new players who will help our team. All eight will get a chance to play." Two of the incoming transfers were all-conference players last fall - goalkeeper Andy Barth and midfield/forward Will Van Nostrand. Miller also has added one player from Brazil - Bruno Cannavan - one from Texas - Lahnden Onger -- and two more from Jamaica -- Rayon Markland and Stephon Henry. "I think the two Jamaican players will improve our athleticism," Miller said. "Bruno is a left-footed striker who we hope will be an impact player and score some goals. Landon was an all-district player who played for a strong club team. He is a fast, left-footed player." The newcomers will give the Trojans a faster and more physical attack. "We will have speed on the wings, so I think we will be able to play direct down the wings and beat people," Miller said. "We will have two big guys in the middle, so we will be able to serve the ball. We will have a more physical presence up front."

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