Strength: Chemistry: The Dynamic Duo of Ingrid Kraus and Maggie Baumgartner have been playing together since they have been in diapers. Mike Hoffmann, Jeff Kustusch, Edwin Flores, Balaji Krishna, and Ernst Lamothe played with each other last fall so they know each other's style. John Szarejko and Cindy McDonnell are very underrated defensive players who have blended well with their teammates. Tim O'hara and Theresa Kissane are just studs on the field. Lastly, Daniel Pan is a very underrated writer, I mean, an overall soccer player. Everyone is talented in their own way and will bring something different to the table. Team chemistry and ability to play together are usually overlooked by the audience for pure talent; these players together are definitely more than the sum of their parts.
Strength: Experience: This team has a lot of players who have been through many winters. Some of the members (Dan, Ingrid, and Tim) on the team are seasoned veterans of the IM Soccer battles, however, they have very few wins and no titles to show for it. They will provide much knowledge and leadership to the players who don't have much intramural soccer experience. Also, Ingrid can sing and dance like nobody's business, she might as well consider performing in between halves. If nothing else, Dan's questionable taste in clothing can be distracting enough for opposing players.
Strength: Speed: Ernst was once a famous track star in high school. Although he insists that he is not as fast as he once was, he still claims to be the fastest man in the Midwest, with or without his car. In addition, Mike and T are also former track stars and will ultilize their speed to get behind the defenses.
Strength: Endurance: Dan, Ingrid, and Jeff have inhumane endurance. All of them are planning to run a marathon soon. However, Dan has been slacking off lately due to injuries and eating tons of fried chicken at some random resturant in Urbana. Can his friend, Holly Oliver, make fun of him and ignite the fire within him? Their endurance is key to wear down their opponents.
Weaknesses: Injuries: Both Ernst Lamothe and Daniel Pan are walking injuries waiting to happen? Will they both become the next Hendrik Szurmant.....?
Watch out for: Individually this team has average players but together they will give many people problems with their overall play and knowledge of how to play together as a team. No one can be overlooked on this team. The keys for this team will be
1) Goals and more goals: Look for any combination of T, Edwin, Balaji, and Maggie to keep the pressure on the opposing goalie, creating numerous scoring opportunities, finishing passes from the midfield by putting the ball behind the goalie. Everyone mentioned above can fill up the goal sheet the way Dan fills up his plate at a Chinese buffet.
2) Dictating the midfield: Ingrid and Tim must control the flow of the games, in order for the team to have a chance to taste playoff sweetness. If either of them has a bad game, the defense and their goalie are going to be in for a long and an another disappointing season. Can Jeff Kustusch take some of the burden of them and insert himselve as a force in the middle? Stay tuned.
3) Defense: John and Cindy are rock solid on defense. Can Ernst Lamothe use his speed wisely and be able to clear without over running the ball?
4) Can George Glekas play? George might not be on the team this year because of back problems. He was a vital part of the team last year. Without him, will Kate Sullivan be able to reproduce the same magic with the other members of the team? Stay tuned.
5) The Great Wall? This team has the potential to go far but only if the issue of goalie duites are solved, and solved early on. Look for a wierd and out-of-shape (who can also lose about 15 pounds) captain, Daniel Pan to take on this role. Dan is known for his tenacity and intensity, usually frustrating his opponents. Dan is usually found on the ground, making diving saves, which usually results in him getting a Nike Swoosh stomped on his forehead. If he starts listening to "Protest Music: The Best of Nelson Mendella", can he put down his picket sign in time and build his Great Wall? Stay tuned.
6) Dan's Deal: Last fall, Dan made a deal to his team, stating that if they won their last game, he would shave his head. Will he make the same deal? Stay tuned.
