With the forwards and back-to-back Pac-10 Players of the Year having both graduated, the Husky men’s soccer team has a tremendous gap to fill in its attack this season. Last season, there was never any question as to how productive the front line would be, considering then-seniors Kevin Forrest (now playing for the Seattle Sounders) and Ely Allen (who plays alongside David Beckham with the Los Angeles Galaxy) were the go-to guys for goals.

This season, there are great opportunities for both the veterans and the freshman class.

Already making a mark with the team is freshman forward Brent Richards from Camas, Wash. He is a regular starter and has led the team in shots on multiple occasions including, most recently, the Husky Fever Classic in which the Huskies were victorious.

Playing alongside Richards is another rookie, midfielder Dylan Tucker-Gangnes, a product of Bainbridge Island.

“The two freshmen up front are doing very well,” Washington coach Dean Wurzberger said. “You can’t pile heaps of expectations on a freshman but [Brent] is doing ever so well and so is his playing partner Dylan. We’re happy that they’re as far along as they are.”

As for the Husky midfield and defense, the backline is full of veterans, though some players are being tested in different positions.

Last year, junior goalkeeper Rylan Hawkins was taken out early in the season due to a facial injury and sophomore Stephen Fung filled in nicely for the duration of the season, which lasted through the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Now, Hawkins is healthy and back in action between the goalposts, providing Washington with two solid options for the goalie position.

In addition to Hawkins and Fung, two of last year’s freshmen who played like veterans have also returned for the Huskies. Sophomore defenders Brad Keller and Taylor Mueller along with junior Taylor Hoss should be holding down a solid defense.

True veteran play will be exemplified by the sole seniors on the team, Raphael Cox and George John.

Cox, a midfielder who has tremendous speed while handling the ball, was named this week’s Pac-10 Player of the Week for his equalizing and game-winning goals during the final match of the Husky Fever Classic against New Mexico.

Switching between the center midfield and back positions, John, a team co-captain with Hawkins, has already started racking up accolades. These include his most recent nomination for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award given to a senior student-athlete who demonstrates excellence both on and off the field.

Although he’s been nominated for a number of individual honors, John still has the team goals in mind.

“The team goals this season are what they are every season,” John said. “Do well in the Pac-10, hopefully win the Pac-10 and make the NCAA tournament.”

The Huskies have never gone past round 16 in the NCAA Tournament, but if Washington can continue playing the way it has in recent victories, John will be able to lead the team into a third-straight NCAA appearance.

Reach reporter Sheena Nguyen at

sports@dailyuw.com.