Season Preview: Midfield

The discussion of the VMI midfield has to begin with senior Tim Moran, the leading returning scorer and two-time All-League member. Moran is the first VMI player to earn two First Team All-MAAC honors since the Keydets joined the conference, and could contend for an All-American honor this year.

Moran’s running mates are likely to be Brett Leonard and Keith Long, as they were last year. Leonard found his scoring touch late in 2009, scoring eight of his 16 goals in the season’s final three games, while Long made an impact as a freshman by playing in every contest.

The second line will be led by the returning Bobby Davis, who had 10 points during the 2008 season. Dave Padgett, one of this year's team captains, was switched over from defensive midfield last season and will assume a role on the second line this year as well. Their veteran presence will help stabilize a line that could feature two freshman, Tom Moran and Russell East.

The Keydets expect to be strong at short stick, as Chris Rossie and Stephen Robarge return. Both players regularly take face-offs for VMI, but are solid defensively and offensively as well. In addition, freshman Will Baker and sophomore Andrew Nieminski will see a great deal of playing time.