Sept. 1, 2010

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Defense wins championships, a sports cliché that has stood the test of time. If it continues to hold true, then it will certainly be good news for the Oakland University men's soccer team this season. The Golden Grizzlies return several key defensive players from a year ago and add a group of talented newcomers.

"Oakland has always prided itself on being a great defensive team that is difficult to score goals on," said Summit League Coach of the Year Eric Pogue. "We always say that if the other team can't score, we can't be beat. Defending is a total team effort and starts with the pressure from the forwards and ends with the goalkeeper."

Topping the list of returning defenders is sophomore James Leutzinger (Romeo, Mich.), who was named to the Summit League All-Newcomer Team last season for his efforts as part of an OU backline that allowed a league-low 13 goals in 2009. Junior Winston Henderson (Walled Lake, Mich.) will also bring his experience to the OU defense, having seen action in 37 games over the past two seasons.

The team also adds the experience of junior transfer Konner McNamara (Mississauga, Ontario), a former All-America East Rookie Team selection, who transfers to Oakland from SUNY - Albany.

"Our defense this fall is a young one, but we are excited about their potential," said Pogue. "We still have some experience coming back from last year in James Leutzinger and Winston Henderson."

The team also adds several talented first time players, including redshirt freshman Nick Kristock and three true freshman defenders that will battle for a starting position. Lucas Diener (Rochester Hills, Mich.) has burst onto the scene after a strong fall season, along with fellow newcomers, Sean Magee (Portage, Mich.) and Garth McClellan (Flint, Mich.).

"The backline will be anchored by center backs Konner McNamara, a Canadian under-20 National Team player, and Luke Diener, a freshman that has done excellent work for us," said Pogue. "We will also be looking to some young kids in Nick Kristock, Sean Magee and Garth McClellan to fight it out for playing time in the back."

Oakland's solid defense has helped the Golden Grizzlies post The Summit League's top goals against average in back-to-back seasons. The team allowed just 0.76 goals per game last season, a number that dropped to just 0.33 in league contests as the Golden Grizzlies won The Summit League regular-season title with an unbeaten 5-0-1 record.

"Under the tutelage of Sarge (Steve Seargeant) and Jason (Perry), we expect the same tenacious, ball-winning, hard-nosed mentality of Oakland Soccer, but with a bit of added skill and flair in our technical ability," concluded Pogue.

The Golden Grizzlies have recently completed preseason training and kickoff the regular season on Friday at 3 p.m. against Marshall at the OU Soccer Field.

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