Last fall, the Linfield men's soccer team had its best Northwest Conference finish since 2019. And while it's nice for fourth-year head coach Andrew Duvall to see, this season hopes to be the year where the Wildcats can begin to click at a high level with a strong cast of returning players.
 
Linfield finished just four points back of Whitworth for fifth place in the conference. But 2022 all-conference recipients Angel Hernandez and Sid Kosaris are two familiar faces that will be leaders for this year's squad.
 
"What's different about this year from last year is that we just have a lot more knowledge about the guys that we have and how to use them appropriately," Duvall said. "We are counting on our upperclassmen this year and they're a known entity."
 
Returning with authority
Hernandez aims to build off his NWC second-team selection and be the tip of the spear for the Wildcats' back line that brings back a healthy amount of experience. Aedan Carroll, Patrick Moes and Evan Stafford all played at least 18 matches for the 'Cats last year and now return with intentions to anchor the team's defense. The defense also returns contributors Nicholas Reggiani, Radule Bozovic and Keegan Brooks who all participated in seven matches or more and can provide serious depth at the defender spots.
 
Kosaris led the Wildcats offensively a season ago. The returning senior made the most of his opportunities as a junior and ranked among the top four of the conference in shots, shots on goal and match-winning goals.
 
He won't be the only attacking presence that opposing defenses must look out for though. Returning senior Seasmus Miller led the team in goals scored during the 2021 season and was an all-conference selection that year. He hopes to regain similar form and provide an extra punch for the Linfield attack. Ronan Hodge showed he wasn't afraid of the moment in his first season for the Wildcats and contributed two goals in 14 appearances and provided another element in the Linfield offense.
 
On the front foot
The fact that many players can contend for a handful of spots is both a good problem and a bad problem to have as a coach. The midfield positions especially are a spot of high-caliber competition.
 
The aforementioned Kosaris is the centerpiece of the Wildcats' midfield but the question becomes which teammates will step up next to him. Cameron Gaines started in all 16 contests he appeared in and contributed a goal and two assists with nine shots on goal.
 
In his first season for the 'Cats, Sam Haynes saw the field 16 times, starting half of those matches. While Haynes didn't score a goal, he was half of the freshman duo along with Hodge who led Linfield at the top of the formation.
 
Also seeing the field at the forward spots were underclassmen Alberto Gallegos and Owen Schoner. Both hope to build off their nine matches of experience.
 
"We definitely believe that we will have the opportunity to create a lot more chances," Duvall said. "And then it comes down to the composure of the player in that moment."
 
Senior Max Testa got on the field in 14 bouts last season and started six, but hopes to build on that figure this fall. He should see the bulk of his role in a defensive midfield spot.
 
Going in goal
The position between the posts is up for grabs. Incoming Division-II transfer Dylan Watkins is the early leader to earn the starting keeper spot. But he is expected to get strong competition from returning junior Christian Saenz, and incoming freshmen Colby Reese and Matty Hourigan.
 
"It definitely was difficult the last couple of years," Duvall said, referring to the goalkeeping position. "We had several guys that were looking to try and get into that spot. And so now we have three brand new keepers in this year. We're really happy with all of them. We have full confidence in (Watkins) to get the job done back there."
 
Continuing to add
One thing that has been clear under Duvall has been his ability to bring in new talent on the roster. The Wildcats bring in eight freshmen and while there's plenty of talent returning, those returners can't get too comfortable with the newcomers ready to step in at a moment's notice.
 
Ready to compete
Linfield finished with a 5-13-1 record in 2022 and a 4-9-1 mark in conference play. The Wildcats saw decent success last year was on the road by finishing with a near .500 record. If the team can continue to build on a solid away record while finding more success on the home turf, the Wildcats could challenge for a higher spot in the NWC standings.
 
Linfield opens the season with back-to-back home dates. On Sept. 1, the 'Cats host Augsburg, followed by a matchup with Caltech Sept. 3.
 
"We have guys that have really positive attitudes who are giving everything they can every day," Duvall said. "We've had some scrimmages and exhibitions that have helped us fill out our roster. In our first match, we will put our top 18 guys forward. We're looking forward to getting out on the pitch and seeing what happens."