Trojans hope to find consistent scoring this season

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on September 4, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- Find more offense.

Godfrey Miller undoubtedly used that as his calling card on the recruiting trail after the University of Mount Olive experienced its worst scoring season in 2013.

The Trojans scored just 14 goals.

Injuries played a factor, but Miller -- now in his fourth season as head coach at UMO -- understands his team must develop a more aggressive approach when it steps onto the pitch this fall.

"Our challenge this season is getting our players to play within the system earlier than later," Miller said. "We have some good offensive-minded players that could be very dangerous to an opposing team's defense."

Just three players -- Bright Eto, Sean Lockett and Louis Gorman -- return after combining for six goals and 15 total points last season. Eto, a senior from Raleigh, punched in a team-high four goals and scored 11 points in 16 of Mount Olive's 18 games.

Gorman played in all 18 games a year ago and scored one goal. Lockett endured an injury-plagued campaign and found the back of the net just once.

Miller brought in 17 new faces during the offseason.

Among the mix are three transfers -- Kevin Williams Lopez, Cooper Gaypia and Endrisa Chune -- who should help push forward and generate some offense this fall. Miller also anticipates putting 13 freshmen on the field at different points this fall.

"We needed more on our attacking front, from midfield players to forwards," Miller said. "We struggled last season scoring goals and keeping possession of the ball. We also added some defenders because we gave away far too many goals last year.

"Our starting lineup last year changed a bit due to many injuries, but we are glad to have some experienced guys back in the lineup. I am expecting Bright to have a better season than last year."

Mount Olive suffered nine shutout losses and compiled a 3-4 record in games decided by one goal in 2013. Two of those victories occurred in overtime. Overall, the Trojans logged a 3-15-0 worksheet that included a 2-6 mark against Conference Carolinas opposition.

Miller's patchwork defense yielded three goals and 17 shots a game last season. Opposing teams owned decisive advantages in total shots (318-145) and goals scored (55-14).

Returning goalie Nick Bernsdorf, a junior from Charlotte, missed most of last year with an injury. Sophomore Adam Lawrence is back and competing for the starting spot after a solid summer.

"Nick put in serious work during his return from knee surgery and he looks ready," Miller said. "Adam played a lot during the summer league in Raleigh to prepare him for the fall, and he looks to be in good shape."

Conference Carolinas coaches picked Mount Olive to finish eighth in the nine-team preseason poll. The Trojans haven't experienced a winning campaign since 2009.

"This class of freshman and transfers, with time, will surprise a lot of teams this year," Miller said. "We were able to finish last year in the conference tournament even though we had a lot of unfortunate incidents occur before and during preseason.

"I believe we will be in the top four this year."

UMO opens its season at home today against UNC Pembroke. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Amon Field.