By ADAM JOHNSON

Heading into the 2009 season, the Webster University men’s soccer team had a lot of unanswered questions.

After losing all-time leading scorer Kevin Fann, the once-potent Gorlok offense turned anemic.

But, by adapting to a more team-oriented style of play, the Gorloks turned an abysmal start into a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship.

The Gorloks started 0-5 this season and took six games to earn a draw. All while coach Marty Todt was sitting on 199 wins since the end of last season. However, No. 200 eventually came, propelling the Gorloks on a 10-1 run, including a win over Principia College, who was nationally ranked at the time.

Now, new questions will have to be answered next season.

The Gorloks are losing two of their top offensive weapons, their top defender and both goaltenders.

Seniors Andy Rudroff, Mike Riti, Kyle Lewman, Kyle Gamache, Jimmy McDonnell, Aaron Belisle, Alfons Rama, Pete Mothe and Matt Geringer have all played their final game donning the blue and gold.

The team will look for leadership from defenders Mike Politte and Eric Fuchs and midfielder Matt Mantia.

Kyle Leifield returns as one of the team’s top scorers, while Politte also added three goals this year.

Juniors Bryan Enger and Bryce Johnson showed scoring promise for the Gorloks this year, and Enger was a starter for the majority of the matches.

The play of sophomore Dominic Devasto and junior Zack Papes, along with the quickness of freshman David Doggendorf rounds out a lot to look forward to with men’s soccer next season.

Hopefully a solid recruiting class will bring a new goaltender to WU for years to come.