There's a sense of optimism for the Chaminade men's soccer team heading into the 2013 season. The Silverswords won two matches in 2012, avoiding the Pacific West Conference basement for the first time in three years. And despite 11 loses, seven of those came by two goals or less.
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Another reason for a more optimistic outlook is the return of midfielder Sam Galloway. The senior from Akron, Ohio had a stellar 2012 after transferring from Division I Bowling Green State, setting school records for goals (8) and points (16) in a season. It led him to being named third team all-PacWest for midfielders, only the second time in school history that a Sword was named to the all-conference team.
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Aside from Galloway, 12 more players who saw action in 2012 are returning. Despite playing in only 10 matches due to injury, junior midfielder Dayton Sato is back. His finest game last year came on Sept. 17 against Hawai'i-Hilo. Sato scored the first two goals of his collegiate career, the second one coming in double-overtime, giving the Swords a 3-2 win, which ended a 33-match winless streak, dating back over two years.
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There is also a new regime leading the Swords, which is helping to excitement in the CUH camp. First year head coach Marcus Chambers brings enthusiasm to the field. Chambers comes to Chaminade from the Hawai'i Rush Soccer Club, one of the largest soccer organizations in the state, as its director of youth developmental programs. Prior to that, he was the Youth Developmental Director for the New Mexico Rush Soccer Club.
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Chaminade opens the season tomorrow in a non-conference match against PacWest foe Hawai'i Pacific at Waipio Soccer Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. The Swords open their home schedule on Monday, Sept. 9 against Cal State San Bernardino at St. Louis Field with a 12:30 p.m. start.
