Sept. 3, 2010
SEATTLE - Head coach Dean Wurzberger is looking for a lot of goal production this year and he will rely on his five forwards to put the ball in the back of the net. This group of five guys couldn't be more different which could make them hard to defend. Junior captain Brent Richards (Camas, Wash.) looks to build upon his success from his first two years after a very strong summer league performance. After being the Huskies leader in goals his freshman season, he once again led the team in that category in 2009, along with tallying the most points and assists. With the Portland Timbers in the USL this summer, Richards was the MVP of the league after leading his team to a perfect record and the championship. "Brent has led our team in goals scored the past two seasons and we think he can get 10+ goals for our team this season," Wurzberger said. "He is a very gifted player with deceptive speed and great jumping ability. Brent is excellent at drawing defenders to him and setting up teammates for goal scoring chances. He is a deadly finisher in front of the goal and he could establish himself as a one of the top players in his position on the west coast." Out of Portland, Ore., senior Matt Van Houten has really improved over his time in a UW uniform and after overcoming injuries his sophomore season, had a very impressive junior campaign. In 2009, Van Houten earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 honors. He was third on the team with nine points and a career-high four goals. "Matt will play primarily as forward for us this fall and we believe that he is an ideal complement to play alongside Brent (Richards)," Wurzberger said. "Matt has great mobility, a natural attacking savvy and can score goals for us. Like many of our seniors this year, we believe Matt will have a career-best season for us this fall." After a stellar freshman campaign, Ryan Moore should be a huge threat for the Dawgs this season up front. Out of San Leandro, Calif., Moore earned Honorable Mention Pac-10 Honors last year and was second on the team with 10 points. His .133 scoring percentage was a team-best. "Ryan has great potential to achieve success with our team and we are excited to begin working with him again," Wurzberger said. "Ryan is a power-house type of forward who will flourish in a teaching environment where he can add various attacking subtleties to his game. We know that with the right type of work and discipline to improve, Ryan will make his mark on our program." Fellow sophomore Quinton Beasley hails from Camas, Wash., as well. As a freshman he appeared in three matches but in the fall scrimmages proved that he is ready to compete for a starting position. "We think Quinton is ready to make a big contribution to our team this fall," Wurzberger added. "His progress as has been steady and he made some positive strides this past spring. Quinton has a gift for receiving the ball and holding it up and now needs to add a goal scoring threat to his skill set. He is an instinctive attacker with good athleticism he lacks only experience and we hope to provide him with that this fall." The lone freshman in the front will be John Crenshaw (Marysville, Wash.). Out of Marysville-Pilchuck High School, Crenshaw earned numerous Player of the Year, all-region and all-state honors. He set the MPHS record for goals in a single-season with 22. "John has great physical tools to play as a forward and we are looking forward to adding him to our team," Wurzberger said. "John had a very successful youth and high school career and we think in the right learning environment, he can continue to grow and progress to compete for playing time at the college level." Links from the week: |
