Eastern University's men's soccer roster makes one think the school is within Lancaster County, but the Delaware County institution is instead adept at recruiting local players for the team.
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Eastern coach Mark Wagner is part of a familiar soccer family, with his brother, Dan, leading the men's team at Franklin and Marshall and the two working together to host soccer camps throughout the region.
Nine of the Eagles' 23 players are Lancaster-Lebanon League products, hailing from six different schools. All nine see at least limited playing time, with seven having started at least occasionally for the Division III MAC squad. The Eagles, 3-3 entering Wednesday's game with Gettysburg, are ranked sixth in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Last year's team finished 11-7-2.
"It is a strange success we have had here," said Wagner. "Every odd year we go to the NCAA tournament, so I hope 2009 is the same result. I'm optimistic going in with a good group of upperclassmen and underclassmen on the team."
One local player who starts for the Eagles is Mike Leitzel (Manheim Central). The senior defender has anchored the back line for three years and served as captain for two seasons. He also played a lot as a freshman. "He is clearly one of the most important players on our team," said Wagner. "He has been an anchor for us."
Ryan Rohrer (Hempfield) has started every game this year as a freshman, a rarity for Wagner. Rohrer plays an attacking midfielder in Wagner's unusual 4-2-3-1 system. He has already scored two goals, including a game-winner, this season.
"I got to know him through Hempfield and all his club experience with PA Classics. He has a great chance to push for conference rookie of the year if he works hard the rest of the way," said Wagner.
Wagner's system is also used at Manheim Central and Lampeter-Strasburg and requires strong play throughout the middle of the field. He said it takes getting used to, but players who have used it in high school have an easier time making the adjustment.
One of those players is Alex Schweitzer (Manheim Central). The sophomore starts at right wing back and has scored one goal and added an assist. He played in high school with Leitzel, giving Wagner a chance to see him play.
"He has battled injuries this year that caused him to miss some time, but I am pleased with his progress," said Wagner. "He has made a quicker impact here due to his knowledge of the system and his club play."
Another player who frequently starts is Terry Fry (Penn Manor). The senior forward has two goals and an assist while starting four of the team's six games. He was all-conference last year and has been a starter for three years. He has battled various ailments this year, but was the team's leading scorer last year.
One other local player who has started all six games for the Eagles is Josh Martin (Conestoga Valley). The sophomore left back is well known by Wagner, who played soccer with his father at Messiah. He has three assists this year.
"Josh has tremendous speed. He tracks down players and can also get forward when needed. He can whip balls in to the forwards and do a great job defending," said Wagner.
Grant Supplee (Garden Spot) has started three games at right wing. The sophomore played sparingly as a freshman. "He worked hard and came in fit," said Wagner. "He is one of our fastest players and has a great work rate for us."
Tyler Brubaker (Garden Spot) is a freshman who has started one game this season for Wagner. He plays center back, a spot manned this season by the two senior captains, including Leitzel.
"He is very tall, but has good skills and touch on the ball. We expect him to replace one of the captains next year," said Wagner. "He is already seeing a fair amount of playing time."
Matt Demascola (Hempfield) is a sophomore holding midfielder. He started late last season, but is playing a key role off the bench this year.
"Matt may be our most intelligent player," Wagner said. "He has incredible vision and exceptional skill. He is big, but passes the ball so well."
The final local player on the Eastern roster is Ben Demora (L-S). He has seen limited minutes as a freshman. Wagner said he sees Demora as a back line player in the future. "He is extremely athletic and we just need to work on technically refining his game."
