WEBSTER GROVES - For the first time in program history, the Webster University men's soccer team will play its regular season in the springtime after the fall campaign was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The extended layoff comes to a close this Wednesday evening when the Gorloks open their season against Fontbonne University. Webster and Fontbonne (1-0 record) will lock horns at Centene Stadium in  Clayton, Mo., at 7:00 p.m.
 
The Gorloks then face off against the Griffins a second time on Saturday, March 6. In that encounter, Fontbonne travels to World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, MO., for a 2:30 p.m. clash. Both these games will count as nonconference matchups.
 
Webster officially begins St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) play with a home tilt against Greenville University next Wednesday, March 10.
 
This year, the nine member schools of the SLIAC will play 10 conference games apiece. The Gorloks will play two conference contests against both Greenville and Spalding University, and one conference game against the remaining SLIAC teams. That means a third matchup with Fontbonne on April 10, this one a SLIAC duel.
 
"With our team not playing games in the fall and nonconference travel limited this spring, one of our top priorities was providing as many opportunities as we can for our guys to play games," said Webster men's soccer head coach Mike Siener. "They deserve that chance after all the work they've put in over a stretch of many months, dating back to last summer. I know they're excited to get after it."
 
In addition to the pair of early-season games versus Fontbonne, Webster will play a nonconference game at local rival Washington University in St. Louis on April 1. The Gorloks are also slated to take on Southwestern Illinois College in an April 3 road exhibition.
 
WU's regular season concludes with Senior Day against Eureka College on April 17 at Soccer Park. The SLIAC Tournament — which features all nine SLIAC schools this year — kicks off April 19 and concludes April 24 with the championship match.
 
"This year certainly has and will continue to look different, but I'm proud of how our players have responded to the adversity," Siener said. "They have worked hard through it all and haven't complained about what's beyond their control. Our guys have maintained great attitudes and are prepared for the challenges ahead in what will be a fun and competitive year."
 
The Gorloks are coming off an 11-6-1 campaign (5-4 SLIAC) in the fall of 2019. Prior to that, Webster went 14-4-2 and 12-4-4. WU returns 21 players from its previous season, providing one of the most experienced and decorated rosters in school history. Those returners will combine with 13 newcomers to form a deep pool of talented players.
 
Headlining the returning players is a trio of 2019 All-Conference honorees in juniors Aamahn Murvin (Sahuarita, Ariz./Walden Grove), Justin Kohler (Waterloo, Ill./Waterloo) and Tanner Haugen (Jefferson City, Mo./Jefferson City). Murvin has been one of the top attacking forces in the SLIAC his first two years. He has led WU in points both those seasons. Last year, Murvin, who is a forward, posted eight goals and three assists for a team-high 19 points.
 
Kohler finished second on the squad in points last season with 11 (4 goals, 3 assists). One of Webster's three captains for 2021, Kohler has emerged as one of the elite two-way center midfielders in the league. Haugen started all 18 games for Webster last year as a wing back, leading the team to a SLIAC-best 0.76 goals-against average.
 
"Aamahn, Justin and Tanner are three of our leaders and hardest-working players," Siener said. "They help set the tone every day and have continued to improve with each passing year. We are excited about what they are going to help our team accomplish this season."
 
Senior center midfielder Hunter Olaso (Kaliua-Kona, Hawaii/Kealakehe) and junior defender Henok Moges (St. Louis, Mo./Parkway North) join Kohler as Webster's three captains. Olaso was an All-Conference selection his freshman year. In the offseason, Olaso — like Murvin — was picked to the Webster Men's Soccer All-Decade Team (2010-2019). Moges was a critical part of WU's midfield and defense in 2019 and will look to take another step forward in 2021.
 
Senior defenders Cameron Killian (St. Louis, Mo./Lindbergh) and Dylan Jannin (Perryville, Mo./Perryville) — who were both picked to the Webster Men's Soccer All-Decade Team — will anchor a backline that has allowed less than a goal per game on average each of the past three years. Behind them in the nets will be senior goalkeeper Matt Amick (St. Louis, Mo./Lindbergh) and junior goalkeeper Matt Coffey (Eureka, Mo./Eureka). Amick was likewise chosen to the All-Decade Team in the offseason.
 
"We have been very sound defensively the past several years and expect that to continue this spring," Siener said. "That has been a group effort. The guys in front of the goalkeeper and defenders deserve a ton of credit for all the defensive success. We are looking forward to putting our team to the test in game action for the first time in quite a while. Just being able to play again is a huge win, and we're ready to get rolling."