Creighton Bluejays
Overall Rank: #6
Conference Rank: #2 Big East 
Creighton Team Page
It is a new era for the Creighton men’s soccer team, as it left the Missouri Valley Conference for a shot at higher visibility with the newly-revamped Big East. If Creighton had to exit the MVC, at least it went out with a bang. The Bluejays were part of the illustrious Final Four in Division I men’s soccer last year, on top of an MVC championship and numerous accolades from around the country. Creighton has reached the College Cup, the official name for the men’s soccer Final Four, five times in school history. Can this year be the sixth?
2012 Record: 17-4-3, 5-0-1
2012 Postseason: NCAA tournament (lost in College Cup semifinals, 1-0, to Indiana)
Coach: Elmar Bolowich
Strengths:
Creighton ranked in the top 20 in categories such as total goals, goals against average and shutout percentage, and although there are some key pieces missing from this year’s puzzle enough remains that Creighton has a good shot. Timo Pitter and Jose Ribas, two of the top three scorers from last year, are back and that should help Creighton stabilize its offense. In the net, Jeff Gal has departed after he served as Creighton’s top goalkeeper a year ago. Alex Bolowich was netminder in only nine games, but he will take the No. 1 spot and should provide a capable presence as Creighton adjusts to the Big East.
Weaknesses:
Gal’s departure makes the overall goalkeeping a bit weaker. It was Gal who compiled a 13-1-1 overall record and an 85.1 save percentage, and his graduation will hurt a bit. Also leaving a weakness in the offense is the graduation of Jose Gomez, who had nine assists and six goals a year ago. Otherwise, the weaknesses are minimal. This really is one of the strongest teams in the country, which accounts for its high projected finish in the conference.
Final Projection:
Creighton has won 38 games over the past two seasons with two consecutive College Cup appearances, and there is ample reason to believe a third trip in a row to the College Cup could happen. Sure, the adjustment to the Big East will provide for a stronger and tougher schedule, but it isn’t like Creighton played creampuff opponents anyway. Expect another high finish for this team with a shot at the Big East title and a trip to the NCAA tournament once again on the docket.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Timo Pitter, Sophomore, MF, 10
Assists: Jose Ribas, Junior, MF, 8
Shots: Timo Pitter, MF, 69
Saves: Alex Bolowich, Junior, GK, 38
Madness 2014 MLS Draft Rankings:
#37 Zach Barnes
Madness 2013 Men’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#14 Ricardo Perez
See All Men's Soccer Top 44 Team Previews
