MORAGA, Calif. -- After losing just two seniors and one starter from last year's team, the Saint Mary's men's soccer parogram spent an optimistic offseason believing that a conference title and NCAA Tournament berth was not far from sight.

Then, just days before preseason training began, the Gaels lost two projected starters and watched as injuries have limited another six to limited roles throughout first four weeks of the season - including all-West Coast Conference defender Bobby Conner and WCC all-freshman honoree Alex Braman.  In all, eight different starters or projected starters have missed a total of 38 appearances so far this season.

But, a deep and talented group of returnees, many playing in unfamiliar roles, and several impact freshman have led the Gaels to a 5-2 overall record, the best in the West Coast Conference in this young season.

"Overall, I think our players have responded very well to the adversity they have faced," said SMC head coach Adam Cooper.   "They have battled for 90 minutes every match, made very few mistakes and have shown a great deal of maturity.  Several guys are playing roles they did not necessarily expect to play this season.  But, they have all handled it and we've become stronger and deeper because of their flexibility and experience.

"Our older guys are also to be commended because they have worked very hard to help the younger guys with the transition to college soccer."

Currently riding the nation's longest active win streak at 5-straight, Saint Mary's returns to action this weekend for a pair of non-league road matches at local Big West Conference opponents.  The Gaels play at Sacramento State (2-4-1) Friday in a 4 p.m. kickoff at Hornet Field.  Sunday, SMC travels to face UC Davis (2-0-5) at 1 p.m. at Aggie Soccer Field.  Links to live coverage are available on SMCGaels.com.

"Sacramento State has been a very difficult opponent for us the last several seasons," said Cooper.  "We've tied them four-straight times.  They play attractive soccer, have a few potent weapons with the ability to score goals and they are very well coached.  Sac State is a Bay Area rival, it plays in a competitive league and the match is on the road.  So, all in all, we expect our match Friday to be an extremely difficult test for our team.

"UC Davis presents different types of challenges, so we will have to prepare for two different styles of play within just a couple of days.  We have been at home the last several games, so we are going to need to prove that we can go on the road and get results against two quality opponents."

The Gaels dropped a pair of matches in upstate New York at Colgate and Syracuse (ranked 18th currently) to open the season, but has since defeated three top-30 ranked teams in its current run of success.  SMC won at then 4th-ranked Washington in its last road game and defeated #24 Florida Gulf Coast and No. 29 Seattle University.  The Gaels also won home games over previously undefeated Central Arkansas and South Bay rival San Jose State during that stretch.

SMC joins 13th ranked Marquette, 15th ranked Cal and 19th ranked Stanford as the only teams that enter the week's play having won five consecutive matches.

Senior forward Michael Semenza leads Saint Mary's in goals and total points and is one of nine Gaels to score at least one goal this season.  The Encinitas native has already equaled his haul from last season with three goals, including the game winner last weekend in the 99th minute against San Jose State.  Semenza leads the WCC in points with nine and his three goals and three assists each tie for the league lead.

Redshirt freshman Nathan Grixti has made the most of his first competitive season, scoring twice and delivering an assist in his five appearances after not traveling on the season opening road trip.  Junior defender Rafael Sanchez, this week's SMC Muscle Milk Student-Athlete of the Week, scored a goal and delivered two assists in last week's two victories.

Senior goalkeeper Andre Rawls has been instrumental for the Gaels so far this season. The San Ramon native currently ranks 10th nationally in total saves with 36. 

The Gaels return home for a 4 p.m. non-conference match against the University of Portland on Oct. 3.  Due to facility upgrades in Saint Mary's Stadium, the 4 p.m. match will take place on Garaventa Soccer Field.   Admission is free and live statistical coverage of the event will be available on SMCGaels.com.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls N. Atlantic Players to Watch

Women's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

Best of Men's College Soccer Week 13