When talking about the upcoming season, Jordan Cila isn't one to hide his emotions.
The offensive leader of the men's soccer team, has made his ardent disdain for the cauldron that was the 2001 season--the first losing season under head coach John Rennie--clear.
But now, with an assuring confidence for 2002 his eyes grow with excitement and anticipation.
"We're really optimistic," Cila said. "We're a much better and deeper crop of players."
The 2002 edition of the men's soccer team is brimming with talent and hope for a reversal of fortunes this fall after suffering its first losing season, in 24 years under head coach John Rennie.
"We can't let that happen again," Cila said. "And we won't let that happen again."
Since Rennie's first year in 1979, the Blue Devils have gone 332-120-27, ranking Duke fifth in winning percentage in the country in that time span. In addition to claiming the school's first ever national championship in 1986, Rennie's Blue Devils have qualified for the NCAA tournament 15 times, won three ACC regular season championships, and an ACC tournament title in 1999.
Cila's role in returning Duke to national prominence will be pivotal.
"It's his turn to be the real veteran leader of this team," Rennie said. "He's a junior, but he's as much a veteran as anybody we have out there."
Already a two-time All-ACC performer, Cila led Duke in goals, assists, and points in 2001 despite missing a significant portion of the season due to mononucleosis.
In his freshman campaign, he racked up 13 goals and nine assists, placing him third on Duke's all-time freshman points list. He'll have to put up even better numbers this year if he and the Blue Devils want to climb back atop the national polls.
"He's definitely the most important offensive player," co-captain Donald McIntosh said. "Hopefully we can get him on a little streak and keep him going."
Cila hadn't expected to be working with such a young group at the forward position, however. Due to an injury to All-ACC senior Trevor Perea, Cila has been starting with a duet of talented freshman in Ian Cary and Danny Kramer. While the burden of being the definitive go-to-guy would make most players cringe, Cila shrugs and acknowledges that if they can play, they'll get the job done regardless of their age.
"All seven [freshmen] are quality players," he said. "They can all contribute and play."
As the point forward for Duke, Cila will spend much of 2002 creating opportunities for his teammates. The balls will be played into him and he'll lead the attack from there. That Cila will be in control is very comforting to Rennie.
"Obviously he's a goal scorer, but he has the experience out there on the field when play is going on to work with the freshman," Rennie said. "From a tactical standpoint, [he's] going to be a coach on the field."
Duke's offense is more team-oriented than most, so a reliance on superior skills and leadership will be key to the Blue Devils' success this year. This is where Cila will have the opportunity to thrive--as will his team. Rennie believes that of all of Cila's strengths, his most prolific weapon is his understanding of the game. His ability to read the field and control the rhythm of the game gives Duke a potent force and leader in 2002.
"I'm very excited to get things going," said Cila. "We anticipate a very positive year."
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