LEXINGTON, Ky. (U-WIRE) -- If you've been to a University of Kentucky soccer match, you may have needed a program to recognize the midfield.

That's because several freshmen have given the men's soccer team sound play and an immediate impact.

Freshmen midfielders Nathan Marks, Andrew Alexander, Michael D'Agostino and Dave Hertel have all made solid contributions in the Cats' midfield thus far this season.

Marks, a graduate of Louisville's Trinity High School, has started every game at midfield for the Wildcats this season. Alexander has started six of seven games and provided a spark around the goal. Hertel has been solid getting on, and D'Agostino tallied the game-winning goal against archrival Louisville.

"I thought we would have a good recruiting class coming in," said UK head coach Ian Collins. "The young guys have held us up a little bit. These young guys have got a fresh spark about them. They bring a refreshing attitude. They want to help us win, and I think that's important."

Last season, forward Riley O'Neill proved how valuable a freshman's services could be, earning Mid-American Conference Newcomer of the Year honors. He led the team in goals scored with seven and finished second in total points.

And he likes what he has seen from this year's newcomers.

"You can't say enough about those guys," O'Neill said. "They've all come in and played well."

Collins said he holds no reservations about playing freshmen.

"That's always been our philosophy," Collins said. "We've always been willing to play young guys. I grew up in a climate in England where if you're good enough, you're old enough."

Still, Marks was surprised by the opportunity he's had.

"I wasn't expecting to contribute a whole lot coming in," he said. "I thought I would get some time but definitely didn't expect to be starting. It does feel good to help the team out."

Collectively, the group still knows they have yet to turn the corner, listing player speed and pace of the game among obstacles to their freshman success.

"The speed of the game is obviously quicker than they're used to," Collins said. "Things happen a little quicker; the demands are a little bit different. But they've been willing to do all that we've asked them to do."

Despite the inevitable growing pains, Collins knows there isn't anything time and experience can't remedy. He has lofty expectations for his freshman, demanding just as much from them as he does from his seniors.

"We're still trying to play the same way," Collins said. "We expect them to be able to perform. We don't put them on the field and tell them it's OK to make mistakes. They understand they're playing because they've earned it."

No player personifies that idea more than yet another freshman, forward Michael Strong. Strong had not appeared in UK's first six matches before entering midway through the first half versus Winthrop last week. In his first action of the season, Strong scored what proved to be the game-winning goal on a pure effort play, deflecting the goalkeeper's clear attempt back into the net.

"It's always been guys that have earned it," Collins said. "Michael Strong is a great example. He hadn't played one minute but had trained really hard in practice and worked really hard. He deserved a shot, and to his credit, when he got in, he made the most of it."

Although many of the younger guys have enjoyed success thus far this season, Collins still covets experienced players. "It's going to be very hard to win with five or six freshman on the field all year," Collins said. "I think we can win with them on the field; obviously we've proven that. But it's difficult as you get deeper into the stretch. Guys who have been through a lot of conference games know what to expect. Some of our older guys have to take the bull by the horns and lead the way."

But with a sophomore class that includes Nathan Li, O'Neill and Anthony Peters, the 'Cats have a solid foundation of young players. Collins is excited about the potential of his younger players but remains focused on the task at hand.

"It's encouraging for the future when you look out and see eight or nine freshman or sophomores," Collins said. "But our future right now is Friday, and we're really keying on that.

"But looking long term, I'm optimistic."

(C) 2004 Kentucky Kernel via U-WIRE.