Andy Cumbo is entering his third year as head coach of the Pioneer men's soccer team. His vision is to take the Pioneers to new heights.

“We lack experience at this point, but I feel this is the most talented team I've had in my three years at Cal State East Bay,” Cumbo said. “We have some difference makers on this team. Once we jell as a unit, I feel that our team could make a run for the CCAA playoffs.”

Bryce Bookhamer returns as the Pioneers starting goalkeeper. As a freshman, Bookhamer led the CCAA in two different categories, saves (149) and saves per game (8.76). He was also selected to the NSCAA All-Region Third Team.

“Bryce had a great first season,” Cumbo said. “We need him to be key player for us in 2011.”

Sophomore Patrick Gilbertson will push Bookhamer for playing time in the net.

“Pat is more comfortable on the field and his main objective is to play,” Cumbo said.

The Pioneers will be looking for scoring production from midfielders Tyler Andersen, Andres Ponce (Chabot College), Florian Reppin and freshman Andres Morales (San Jacinto High School). Coach Cumbo praises Ponce's playing ability, Andersen's technical skills, Reppin for his good vision of the field and Morales' good nose for the goal.

Cal State East Bay has quality athletes at the forward position. Javier Martin, a freshman from Mt. Eden High School, has already proven an offensive threat in earlier scrimmages. Daniel Borst, a proven scorer and Rey Suarez, a solid all-around player gives the Pioneers two strong performers at forward. Two other players expected to contribute at forward include Sam Dueñas and freshman Christian Lara (Granada Hills Charter High School).

Robin Patton, a transfer from Mercer County Community College, is a solid addition to the Pioneer backfield. Steven Belalcazar, Eduardo Maldonado and Paul Dewhurst are expected to play in the middle. The Pioneers have four quality outside defenders in Oscar Padilla, Adrian Maldonado, Colin Parker and Mario Gonzalez.

Besides a talented team, coach Cumbo is pleased with his coaching staff.

“Keith Lambert, entering his third season on the coaching staff, has done a great job and takes care of things both on and off the soccer field,” Cumbo said. “Kris Hall, in his second year, has done a good job with our goalkeepers. He has gained coaching experience from last year. Gustavo Pires is a first year coach whose Brazilian background has helped us be more creative on offense.”

The Pioneers will play two non-conference games prior to the CCAA opener against Cal Poly Pomona on Sept. 9.

“I'm excited for these upcoming games,” Cumbo said. “It will be good to put our players in a pressure situation. We're facing two quality opponents prior to conference competition.”