After conceding 14 away goals without reply in the last two games of a disappointing 2015 men’s soccer season, the Raiders look to regroup next year after a season that ended in a whimper rather than a bang.

Although its performance improved as the season progressed, Moorpark College (2-15-2 overall and 2-12-2 in conference) struggled mightily to compete in the tough Western State Conference, and finished at the bottom of the table.

After a dismal start to the season, signs of a turnaround looked promising when Moorpark defeated Allan Hancock College at home in early October. It was only their first win in almost two years. Four days later, the Raiders tied the match against Glendale, and things were looking up.

“It was a learning experience, especially since I played center back this year for the first time,” freshman George Blankley said. “I might be going to a university to possibly play or just study next year.”

The momentum of its mid-season recovery didn’t last long, and Moorpark lost five of its next six games, managing only a tie against Santa Barbara at home in mid-October.

“It doesn’t matter how good the coach is, if you don’t have [good] players you’re going to lose,” Athletic Director Howard Davis said. “The key to it all is recruiting. The coach is focused on upgrading his recruiting efforts this year.”

Head Coach Sean Roche said that if the majority of freshmen on the squad returned, the team could do very well.

“We need forwards and some defenders. We’re in good shape with goalkeepers and midfielders, but at each end we need some help,” said Roche.

Freshman forward Kenta Nutley, who won’t be returning, bemoaned the lack of practice time available before the season started.

“It was a rough start; we had no chemistry in the beginning,” Nutley said. “The top four or five teams in conference were practicing all summer. We [worked out] for a week and then got right into the games.”

Roche said that a soccer practice class was offered in the summer, but was cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.

“It’s all sour grapes. Summer class wasn’t available because not enough of them showed up,” said Roche. “It took a while [for the team] to become a group and they’ll have to take the responsibility for that.”

Although the team consistency improved with each game, injuries to some key players and shallow bench strength took its toll as the season was winding down.

“I love him. He’s a very good coach and he knows what he’s talking about,” sophomore Krikor Tashejian said about Roche. “He believes in us, even at our worst. He cares about us on and off the field.”

Roche said that he watches all the soccer games in the local area and has had letters of interest from student athletes who’ll graduate high school next year.

“Their interest should be in getting a good education, because that’s what sets Moorpark College apart from other colleges,” Roche concluded. “If they can play soccer and do that, so much the better.”