In each of head coach Cory Sims' three years as head men's soccer coach, Madison College has improved its win total. The progress brought the program a winning record (7-6-2) for the first time in six years last fall, as well as its best finish – a tie for second – since joining the North Central Community College Conference.

The team hopes to take another big step forward in 2016, and will lean on a strong defense to make that happen. Three of the team's top returning players are defenders that logged heavy minutes for a 2015 team that limited opponents to an impressive 1.4 goals and 8.0 shots per game.

"We have a solid, experienced defensive core with Bobby Beaudet, Ryan Henry, and Michael Bravick, which will provide some stability to our team," boasts Sims.

Forward Christian Munoz finished second on the team in points with 21, tallying ten goals and an assist. He'll be joined up front by top newcomer Jose Barron, who amassed 101 goals in his high school career at Beloit Memorial.

"James Pretto will anchor the midfield and provide leadership, while we're looking forward to Christian Munoz continuing his fine goal scoring form from last season," state Sims ahead of his fourth year as head coach.

"Our goal for the season is to remain committed to the process of improvement, and to be proactive in our approach. We all have to believe in our approach, as that will be our guide throughout the ups and downs of the season."

A unique challenge to the 2016 campaign will be the lack of a home field. The newly remodeled and upgraded pitch at the Irwin A. & Robert D. Goodman Sports Complex will not be ready until ???...For now, home games will be played at Warner Park Field #1, except for a September 20 match at Breese Stevens Field against Illinois Valley Community College.

Also new this year is assistant coach Gabriel MarÃn-Cabello, who replaces top assistant Matt Schwartz after he left to take over as head coach of the Madison College women's program. MarÃn-Cabello comes to the WolfPack from his native Chile and brings a wealth of soccer experience. He also speaks three languages, bring more than just instruction to the team's practices.

"At least four languages are spoken at any given time at our trainings and practices," says Sims.

The 2016 WolfPack will hope to be speaking the same language by August 23 when they official begin the season playing at Illinois Valley Community College. The first home match is August 27 against Waubonsee Community College, while the N4C slate kicks off on August 31 against Harper College in Madison.

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