KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Just over a week from their 2024 season opening game, Sean McManamon and the Oregon Tech men's soccer team continue to build on the success of the past two seasons – combining for 24 wins, including a national tournament berth.
 
However, with half of the roster made up of newcomers, the challenge for the third-year skipper and his team is evident.
 
"Our goal is to blend together – 16 and 16," McManamon said. "We have 16 returners and 16 new players – we have to get the 16 new players on the same page as the returners. It's not about identity or style of play, but it's the level of play that is expected, the work ethic and knowing how our program operates – relying on the servant leadership of our returners to get the new guys up to speed. If we do not achieve our goals this year, it won't be because of technical skill, tactical ability or athleticism, but the fact that we have to be able to pick up where we left off last year as a program."
 
The newcomers will be key in filling the void in the defensive third, having to replace All-America right outside back Brock Rideout, 3-year starting left outside back Ryan Pearson, along with center back Sebastian Brunk. Rideout was OIT's all-time leading scorer and 4-time all-conference selection, while Pearson used his long throw-in ability to create offensive chances.
 
However, the cupboard is not entirely bare. Center back Cooper Hunt will anchor the defense, as the junior has started all but three games over the past two years – playing a full 90-minutes 30 times. Hunt, with his 6-foot-5 frame, is key in winning 50-50 balls and pushed forward to score three goals off set pieces in 2023."
 
"Cooper is a big-time leader and big-time communicator," McManamon said. "He knows that balance - when someone needs a kick in the hindquarters and when someone needs a hug, he knows the difference between lighting a fire and giving positive reinforcement."
 
The question mark is around Hunt – as three others are looking to slot the second center back spot, with six others hoping for playing time as an outside back.
 
At center back, transfers Bridger Meyer and Reece Fletcher have collegiate game experience. Meyer was a 2-year starter at Northwest College in Wyoming, earning All-Region IX honors, while Fletcher was a 2-year starter at Rogue CC, earning All-NWAC accolades. Redshirt freshman Tidus Paet-Vegas has a year under his belt in the OIT program and is squarely in the mix.
 
On the outside, junior Ben Bradshaw has moved from a winger roll to a defensive spot – having played in 16 games over the past two seasons. Two redshirts – freshman Andre Ramirez and junior Michael Bacoro – also are hopeful for increased playing time. Transfers Patrick Chan and Sylver Schweiger are pushing the returners – Chan, originally from Australia, having played last season at National Park College in Arkansas – with Schweiger a 2-year player at Columbia Basin CC, helping the club to the 2022 NWAC title. Freshman Gavin Pierce is also key, as the defender led Coronado High in Nevada to the 5A state title.
 
"It's wide open," said McManamon about the starting spots in the defense. "It's great for guys to take gambles and great to take their opportunities and make their stamp on the game."
 
In goal, Tech has a deep group of keepers, led by All-CCC pick, Ryan Solis. The senior ranked second in the league with seven shutouts in 2023, finishing the year with a 1.29 goals against average.
 
"Ryan has been great in preseason and provides leadership," McManamon said. "We had a lot of chats in the spring about how to make him even better and he built on that during the summer playing in the USL-2. It's been fun to see his progress."
 
Juan Hernandez and Jonathan Laitinen will serve as back-ups to start the year. Hernandez redshirted last season behind Solis after two strong years at Rogue CC, while Laitinen was a 3-time All-Skyline Conference pick at Mazama High.
 
Juan has been knocking at the door and playing well and Jonny, as a freshman, has been taking advantage of his moments," McManamon said.
 
Picked fifth in the CCC Preseason Poll, the Owls will have five opportunities to piece together the line-up they want to take the field on Sept. 20 against rival Warner Pacific. A home-and-home series with Simpson, along with a trip to California for regional games against Hope International and The Master's follow next Saturday's season opener at Division III George Fox.
 
McManamon knows what his squad's goal is.
 
"The goal is – can we determine who our identity is, as a team, within the conference, within the NAIA? It can be daunting if you let it, but if you are excited about it, it can be great – we need to be effective in what we do."