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."
December 7, 2005
Men's Soccer Team Places Two On All-Region Team
November 5, 2005
Belmont Abbey Scores Late To Eliminate AC
November 4, 2005
Four Anderson Soccer Players Make All-CVAC Team
November 2, 2005
Trojans Advance In CVAC Tournament
October 31, 2005
AC Plays Host To St. Andrews Wednesday
October 29, 2005
Men's Soccer Team Ends Regular Season With Loss
October 25, 2005
Anderson, Brevard Tie 2-2
October 22, 2005
Ross Leads Queens Past Anderson, 4-0
October 15, 2005
Anderson Bounces Back To Beat Lees-McRae
October 12, 2005
Anderson, Erskine Battle To 1-1 Tie
October 8, 2005
Trojans Improve To 5-1 In CVAC
October 6, 2005
Men's Soccer Team Ranked No. 8 In Regional Poll
October 4, 2005
Presbyterian Shuts Out Anderson, 1-0
October 1, 2005
Upset! Trojans Knock Off No. 7 Mt. Olive
September 24, 2005
Wyatt Leads Belmont Abbey Past Anderson, 2-1
September 20, 2005
Popoola Name CVAC Player Of The Week
September 20, 2005
Zion Saves Trojans With Late Goal
September 17, 2005
Trojans Stay Unbeaten In CVAC Play
September 14, 2005
Cannavan's Goal Pulls Out Victory For Anderson
September 10, 2005
Trojans Overwhelm Barton, 4-2
September 6, 2005
Lander Rallies To Beat Anderson, 3-2
September 5, 2005
Trojans Get First Victory Of The Season
September 1, 2005
Late Goal Beats Trojans
August 28, 2005
Mars Hill Shuts Out Anderson, 3-0
August 26, 2005
Bears Blank Anderson, 1-0
August 25, 2005
Three Anderson College Teams Open This Weekend
August 18, 2005
No Surprise: Queens Picked To Win Men's Soccer
August 18, 2005
Miller Wants More From Men's Soccer Team