2009 Recap: This spring was a landmark season for the Cardinals. Although they eventually fell to Middlebury in the NCAA tournament, Wesleyan captured its first ever NESCAC championship. Even with only a decent keeper in Borerro, they were stout on defense, led by the best close defenseman in DIII, Spike Malangone. Offensively, it was all too often a one man show as nearly every possession went through Russ Follansbee when he was on the field. The methodical, plodding offense that was run served its purpose, but it often seem as Wesleyan failed to utilize some of their other offensive weapons.
2010 Trend: Downward
What's hot: Graduating Follansbee hurts, but it should allow for a bit more offensive diversity. Expect Killeen, Blumenthal and the younger Malangone to pick up some of the slack. Will Froats get some runs on O? Definitely an opportunity for a freshman or two to step up. In any case, a new look on offense could do Wesleyan some good. The Cards also do a little addition by subtraction with the graduation of Borerro, provided they can find someone who can at least replicate his results.
What's not: Unfortunately, not all losses are so kind. The only returning longpole is the LSM Gabe Kelley, probably the most underrated player in the NESCAC. Rebuilding a defense that predicates its success on cohesion and execution will be a major challenge for Coach Raba. Expect growing pains at both ends of the field.
What we should be talking about: How a team with such ugly uniforms (black jerseys and red helmets? BLEH!) won a NESCAC championship; Whether Wesleyan will beef up their 2010 schedule to give them a better shot at the tournament.
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