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Radford University senior captain Devan Cooley is returning from a knee injury that cost him last season. He is still not at full strength.

Photos courtesy of Brett Whitesell

Last season, Radford University goalie Zach Roszel made 81 saves and had five shutouts in 20 games. The senior from Marshall has played more games than anyone on the Highlanders roster. Juniors Robert Thomsen (bottom left) and Daryn Patricio (bottom right) are returning starters.

Photos courtesy of Brett Whitesell

Last season, Radford University goalie Zach Roszel made 81 saves and had five shutouts in 20 games. The senior from Marshall has played more games than anyone on the Highlanders roster. Juniors Robert Thomsen (bottom left) and Daryn Patricio (bottom right) are returning starters.

Photos courtesy of Brett Whitesell

Last season, Radford University goalie Zach Roszel made 81 saves and had five shutouts in 20 games. The senior from Marshall has played more games than anyone on the Highlanders roster. Juniors Robert Thomsen (bottom left) and Daryn Patricio (bottom right) are returning starters.

RADFORD -- The Radford University men's soccer team came within one game of reaching the NCAA tournament last year, losing in the Big South Conference tournament final to Liberty.

The blueprint for that team's success may be just the plan for this year's squad to reach its goals.

After bouncing back from early season injuries, Radford finished 11-9 as a healthy team made its tournament run.

The Highlanders have many of those same nicks and bumps in the early going of this season as well. Younger players have stepped in as others are working their way back to full strength.

"Part of sports and part of soccer is injuries," said Spencer Smith, the Highlanders' 15-year coach. "A good team has a lot of depth, and this year, that depth is younger players, so we have to be patient and keep working."

A Highlanders strength will be experienced defense and goalkeeping. All-conference goalie Zach Roszel made 81 saves and had five shutouts in 20 games. The senior from Marshall has played more games than anyone on the Highlanders roster.

"This being my senior season, I don't know if I will have a future in soccer or not, so this may really be my last year," Roszel said. "I am really looking to go out on a high note. I would love to have Big South nominations. But as long as we can get a 'W,' that is my main focus."

Joining Roszel in the back is another senior captain, Devan Cooley, as well as juniors Robert Thomsen and Daryn Patricio. Cooley is returning from a knee injury that cost him last season and is still not at full strength. Thomsen and Patricio are returning starters.

In the midfield, three sophomores played significant minutes a year ago. James Leith was an all-freshman conference pick while leading the Highlanders in scoring. Josh McCrary earned all-tournament honors. Brendan Shaffer has been slowed by a wrist injury.

Injuries have had the most effect offensively. Jeremy Delpino missed most of last season with an ACL tear and is seeing his first time on the field since then. Before the injury, Delpino, a transfer from Virginia Intermont, scored five goals and added three assists in 19 games. Junior Emmanuel Joseph will also be looked upon for versatility and a scoring punch.

Two freshmen that could have key roles this season are Iyiola Awosika at sweeper and Hunter Fugate on defense. Redshirt freshman Aldo Macias has also been a factor.

"This season, there haven't been the cliques like other teams I have been on before," Roszel said. "Everyone seems to get along on and off the field, which can only help us on the field. You have to give a lot of credit to our sophomore class for that, too, because they have been able to bring the upperclassmen and freshmen together."

Team inexperience isn't an issue in Roszel's view.

The Highlanders opened the season last week at Nevada-Las Vegas, where they dropped a pair against the home team and Western Illinois, two solid programs.

Smith was encouraged by his team's play, especially in the UNLV game when Radford outplayed the Rebels in the second half.

It was a good note on which to enter Saturday's 7 p.m. Cupp Stadium home opener against Xavier. Radford goes to Clemson today.

"It is still early," Smith said. "We were able to recognize that by playing two good teams that exposed some of our weaknesses, and now we know what we need to work on."

Timing is crucial, he thinks.

"You want to win games early, but you also want to be playing your best at the end of the season. This year we have some ability, we are working hard in training and have good attitudes. We are still trying to find our identity and that will come as we play more."

In the conference, Smith considers Liberty the team to beat. Winthrop and Coastal Carolina are also strong. The Highlanders were picked fourth in the preseason poll. Others to watch include High Point and VMI as well as new member Gardner-Webb.