Dayton Flyers are jetting into unfamiliar territory

August 25, 2009

* Number in parenthesis denotes TopDrawerSoccer preseason college ranking. See complete rankings here.

(19) DAYTON RECAP
Last Season: 15-4-2, 6-2-1 in Atlantic 10 Conference
Result: Defeated Massachusetts in conference title game; lost in first round to Illinois-Chicago.
Head Coach: Dennis Currier
Key Returners: F/M Alex Torda (Sr.), D Ryan Handbury (Sr.), D Jack Pearson (So.), M Isaac Kissi (Sr.), M Ben Murray (Sr.)
Key Subtractions: F Florian DeCamps, M/F Simeon Zapryanov, M Joe Olwig

2009 Team Preview

Photos courtesy of: Erik Schelkun

The Dayton Flyers will go from being the hunters to the hunted this season. It’s a byproduct of their newfound success that included their first-ever NCAA tournament berth in 2008 and an Atlantic 10 Conference title.

And just as last season was uncharted territory for the Flyers, returning for the season after “the season” will be just as unfamiliar.

“Dealing with this new position and the additional pressure of being the target is the No. 1 thing that we’ll have to get used to,” said coach Dennis Currier. “Our experience will play a big role in hopefully getting back into a rhythm of everyone playing together. It will come.”

Dayton will rely on the players that have helped them reach their elite status as well as the style that distinguishes the program from many others.

Senior Alex Torda is a high-scoring forward who will serve as the team’s go-to player. Seniors Isaac Kissi, Ben Murray and Jeff Popella will form to give the group an experienced foundation on offense. On the other side of the ball, defenders Ryan Handbury, a senior, and sophomore defender Jack Pearson, are both players touted on the preseason all-conference team and expected to make major contributions.

The identity of Dayton, however, is and will be its high-octane offense. The program produced 46 goals a year ago using a 4-4-2 formation, and is one of the more exciting teams in the country to watch.

Breaking through to the NCAAs was needed confirmation for Currier and the program that their aggressive style can indeed produce a long-term winner.

“In previous years I’ve had programs that have lost to defensive teams and I’ve heard a lot about how the defensive teams are the ones that go further,” Currier said. “We stuck to our guns and last year was a big confidence booster for everyone knowing that you can be successful playing this way. We play a brand that is big on attacking and excites the fans.”

Nothing would excite the Dayton faithful more than a return trip to the NCAA tourney. But this time, the Flyers will have to achieve it from out front where everyone will be awaiting their arrival.

CURRENT TEAM ROSTER

Name Pos. Year # Hometown

Alex Frenz D So. 2 Whitefish Bay, WI

Daniel Rice M Fr. 3 Annandale, VA

Randy Dennis D Sr. 4 San Angelo, TX

Sonny Renner D Sr. 5 Keller, TX

Ben Murray M Sr. 6 Westerville, OH

Nate Dombrowski F/M Fr. 7 Flower Mound, TX

Ryan Handbury D Sr. 8 Nottingham, England

Alex Torda F/M Sr. 9 Dallas, Texas

Ryan Bauer M Fr. 10 O’Fallon, MO

Tommy Watkins D Jr. 11 Richmond, VA