This spring marks the beginning of a new identity for the Saint Louis University men’s soccer team. Seven seniors are gone, and Brad Davis departed the program to play in Major League Soccer.

It’s the first time in a decade that eight players have left SLU in one year.

Overall, three starting defenders and 72 percent of the offense must be replaced by next season. SLU coach Dan Donigan realizes the void but sees no immediate reason to worry.

“Brad and Dipsy (Selolwane) alone accounted for 88 points, and it’s difficult to work on team development when you lose eight players,” Donigan said. “But the spring has always been a time for individuals to develop, and I am excited about the players we have coming back next year.”

Hammes is back

One of those players is senior Joe Hammes, the versatile defender who took a red shirt year in 2001. Hammes was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome after getting kneed in the thigh during a game last July.

The muscle was hit so hard that it bled internally. Hammes began his rehabilitation after five surgeries and 27 days in the hospital. Saturday’s spring game against Tulsa marked his first full 90 minutes since the injury.

“The rehab was long and tough but it feels great that I am returning to my old form,” Hammes said. “I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that I am a stronger person for going through such a trying ordeal.”

Who will be in goal?

While Hammes and a core of veterans return to the Bills next season, one position still remains in question: the goalkeeper. Matt Herald, Travis Kamm, Jason Cherish and Jeff Sackman were all on the roster this season. While Herald and Kamm were the primary backups, Donigan noted that nothing has been settled.

The four backups didn’t have much chance to see important game action, as John Politis played nearly all the minutes in goal.

“Goalkeeping is my major concern for next fall,” Donigan said. “I am not happy with the goalkeeping right now. But this is their opportunity to solidify their position on the team, and potentially a No. 1 position going into preseason.”

The Recruits

Seven players have committed to play for SLU next season, and one more may transfer. Donigan was able to keep three of St. Louis’ best players by signing Cooper McKee (Chaminade), Danny Winn (Chaminade) and Kyle Hopson (Oakville).

“Those were the three kids from St. Louis that I wanted most,” Donigan said.

Andrew Moses (Chaminade) will also join the Bills next season. Donigan noted that all four came from winning programs. The three from Chaminade were part of the Missouri and co-national championship team this past season, and Hopson won a state title with Oakville in 2000.

Three more sought-after recruits will be joining the Bills from Dallas. Patrick Garcia, Gavin Minnis and Ryan Wilemann all play club soccer for the Solar 84s, the No.1 Under-18 club team in the country.

The seven recruits chose SLU over Southern Methodist, North Carolina, St. John’s, Stanford and Indiana.

“I think this class will keep us in the top 10 in the country and push for a national championship every season,” Donigan said. “They are solid, hard-working, technical players who come from winning programs and have great training habits.”

The Bills’ next spring home game is Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. against Drury.