Oregon Institute of Technology Athletics

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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – After ending the 2019 season in a shootout against Eastern Oregon University in the first round of the Cascade Collegiate Tournament with a 10-5-4 record – one of the strongest in the program's history – the Oregon Tech Hustlin' Owls are coming into a delayed 2020 season under new leadership with a strong mix of returning players and new talent.
 
The team was picked fifth in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Men's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Poll. Corban University was picked first after an undefeated season where they claimed the regular season and tournament titles. The competition will be tough, but head coach Casey Tate is optimistic.
 
"We have some very good returning players and have added 15 new players," said head coach Casey Tate. "We are excited to see where we are at. We need to find ourselves quickly with the short season. It's critical that we are selfless, and that the team first mentality shows. It's a brand-new team with a lot younger players and we need to challenge ourselves and see what we can do."
 
Despite losing a few key players, including two All-CCC Honorable Mention midfielders Cade Roske and four-time honorable mention Joey Driessen and three-time All-CCC Second Team midfielder Brennan Gazdik, the team still has some returning veterans to round out the ranks.
 
Among those returning are goalkeeper Mitchell Jillson (#0 center in Photo), a senior leader and All-CCC Second Team player. "We have a very talented group of keepers with veteran Mitchell Jillson leading the way," says Tate.
 
Four veterans return as defenders, including sophomore Kyle Wright. "Our back 4 will be led by veterans Kyle Wright, Brock Rideout, Kyle Sanchez, Roni Rountree along with newcomers Gavin Wilmott, Ryan Pearson, Sebastian Brunk, Ellis Harwood, Brandon Donat and Ian Bermudez expected to make an impact," Tate comments.
 
Notable midfielders include returning junior Jake Mitchell and freshman Dylan Nakagawa. "The midfield by Jake Mitchell, Chad Morishige, Reilly Combs, Cade O'Neill along with newcomer Dylan Nakagawa and Riley Quarders are expected to make an impact."
 
CCC All-Conference Player John Sarna will reprise his role as a forward, joining other veterans and some new players. As Tate puts it, "The team has a lot of good returning forwards that can put the ball away. We return Keanu Srivongsana, John Sarna, Noah Pham, Anthony Santillan, Jack Warner and add some talented freshman in Hunter Hoogerwerf, Sean Burcin, and Matthew Shirley."
 
The Hustling' Owls will host their first game of the season on Friday, February 5^th at 12:00pm at the Oregon Tech Soccer Field, taking on William Jessup University. Due to the Cascade Conference no-spectator policy, fans will not be allowed to attend the match, however, live stats and free video streaming can be accessed on www.OregonTechOwls.com
 
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