ORONO – Scott Atherley, the new men’s head soccer coach at the University of Maine, didn’t even hesitate.

His response when asked what teams the Black Bears would be chasing during the 1993 season?

“Nobody. They’re going to chase us,” Atherley said confidently.

There is plenty of optimism in the UMaine soccer camp as the team gets ready for its Sept. 8 regular-season opener at home against Maine Maritime Academy. Atherley is convinced that his team has the right stuff to take the next step in New England soccer.

“Their expectations are to move to the next level,” Atherley said. “We’d like to be ranked within the top five teams in New England and make the North Atlantic Conference playoffs. Everybody’s convinced that’s a realistic expectation.”

The Black Bears’ optimism might appear a bit premature based on the relative youth of the squad. Of the 23 players on the roster, 17 are freshmen and sophomores. However, 14 lettermen and nine starters return.

Youthful veterans is the way Atherley described his team that was 8-4-4 overall and 3-4 in the NAC a year ago. Maine, which featured eight freshmen starters in ’92, is again counting on that group to set the pace.

Senior goalkeeper Seb D’Appolonia and junior midfielder Bob Strong of Thomaston are the seasoned veterans who will provide leadership and experience. D’Appolonia, who had a 1.11 goals-against average in 15 games last season, will backstop the defense.

Strong, who started 14 games last year, gives the Bears a heady leader patrolling the middle of the field.

There is plenty of talent in the sophomore class, including forward Jake Ouimet, who established UMaine season records of 14 goals and 30 points as a freshman while earning NAC Rookie of the Year honors.

Mike Dunphy knocked in five goals and added six assists last season. Classmate Dan Noblet of Augusta is expected to be another key contributor up front.

“I think we have the ability to strike at any time, which is an important element,” Atherley said.

Other sophomores expected to start for the Bears include back Paul Kelly, the only freshman to make last year’s All-NAC team, along with back Conor Ward and sweeper Jeff Hough, a transfer from Robert Morris College.

“This year’s sophomores, who kind of grew up fast, really were the nucleus of the team,” Atherley said. “I can’t say that we thought, going into the season, they were going to have as big an impact, but we knew they would definitely play a big role.”

Junior midfielder Paulo Nunes and junior back George Sherry are proven performers and will start, while sophomore midfielder Dustin Perkins lettered last fall.

Hough is one of three new players who are expected to make an immediate impact for the Bears. Others are freshman midfielder Kyle Gray of Nepean, Ontario, and freshman back Evan Milone of Manchester, Conn.

“We really needed somebody to shore things up in midfield who would be a ball-winner and have an athletic presence,” Atherley said, referring to Hough and Gray, a 6-foot, 190-pounder.

Sophomore ‘keeper Jeremy Dube, junior back Scot Little, senior back Adam Loovis, and sophomore midfielder Jared Morse are other returning players.

This year’s freshman class includes forward David Gregory of Brewer, goalkeeper Nathan Benoit of Portland, midfielder Seth Mulrooney of Brunswick, forward Paul Davisoncq, keeper Cory Romboletti and midfielder John Woloshchuk.

Atherley, who characterizes his team’s strengths as its collective attitude and its overall ability, said consistency is the key to moving into New England’s elite teams.

“The team is extremely motivated and focused on doing well,” Atherley said. “I think it’s just a matter of playing at a high level and realistically thinking that there’s no limit on what can be achieved if we can take care of being consistent.”