On this recent Friday morning, just over a week into official training for the 2014 season, the reclamation is in full swing.
Toward the end of practice, Soto has arrayed the Dons into two groups for a drill. Attack and defense. For the latter, five players — four defenders and a holding midfielder — constitute the back line. They fend off advances from eight attacking players. The key for the defense is to move as one. Communicate and parry the thrusts. Then, do it again.

Midfielders slice through the defense with savvy dribbling and intelligent runs. Positions are interchanged at the drop of a hat. The passing is crisp; rarely are more than two touches taken. Every so often, the movements feel like rhythmic breathing. It’s the sort of movement Soto is looking for.

Known for fostering an attractive brand of soccer, Soto stresses possession-oriented attacks with top-notch finishing. The platform has seen success at high levels. In addition to his work at UCLA, in 2012, Soto began work as the head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy’s U-18 Academy team. He also helmed the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team, which last year participated in the World Cup in Tahiti.

Watching the Dons, even in this brief instance of training, relays a thrum of excitement. Silence reigns when the offensive group breaks with Soto and assistant coach Steven Sosa, the defense with assistant Alex Yi. Soto and Yi have worked together for years with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and when Soto took the USF job, Yi was his first call. “They have the same mindset, they’re on the same page, which is good for the team to have consistency all the way from the top,” said senior goalkeeper Chase Hauser. “It helps us to have a good understanding of what we need to do.”

Hauser, whose 5.89 saves led the West Coast Conference last season, was one of several Dons to help constitute the interview committee for Soto’s hiring process. They even did extra research, contacting UCLA players they knew for first-hand accounts.

“Guys love him,” said Hauser, who grew up in Southern California and played for Soto when he coached the Irvine Strikers, a competitive youth travel team. “He’s a players coach, so he really handles them well. And we were lucky enough to get him in the spring, as opposed to right away in the fall.”

For the returning Dons, smarting from this extended NCAA tournament drought, Soto’s arrival was a welcome spark in the gloom. “They needed a new voice, they were ready for something different, and they’ve definitely responded,” said Soto. “I really wanted them to recommit themselves to the program.”

“The No. 1 objective was to create an environment that’s competitive, learning and fun — that’s basically my philosophy,” said Soto. “We’re striving to push the bar high here. The main thing for that is consistency, having the professional approach to come onto the playing field, no matter what the issues are off it, and get the work done that’s needed.”

The commitment Soto spoke of extends beyond the field. When you play a Division 1 sport, sacrifices must be made — which at times can be difficult for a teenager. Parties? Going out? Taking care of your body takes on the utmost importance.

The seniors, Hauser included, took up the call this summer. Midfielder Danny Kirkland joined the San Jose Earthquakes development team; Aguilar featured for the Portland Timbers. “It really helped me a lot, as far as staying fit and sharp and learning and playing with some really good players,” said Aguilar, who was Second Team All-WCC in ‘13. “The Portland style was a lot like Eddie’s: in-out, side-to-side, break down defenses, score a lot of goals. Coming back down here, it’s something I want to pass on to my teammates.”

That includes a talented incoming group of 12 who have already made an impact. Davi Ramos, a sophomore transfer from North Carolina State, nabbed a goal during an exhibition with No. 7-ranked Cal this past week. USF came away 2–1 victors in regulation.

The Dons are staying steady — it was a scrimmage — but there’s a real sense that cohesiveness is catching hold. Said Aguilar, “Eddie always talks about being a unit. It’s a lot stronger than simply having good individual players. That’s something I’ve always agreed with.”

Defense is a strong point, says Soto, and he adds talented frosh Manny Padilla to a group that posted seven shutouts a season ago. But finding a more consistency in attack remains a key. With three goals, Aguilar tied with two teammates for the team lead in ‘13. Even after nabbing two goals against Cal, scoring is stressed in training exercises.

“We try to emulate the situations that they might find in a game, so that when it comes time for a game, they’re comfortable and they understand these situations — how it feels to be under pressure or how to find little gaps behind the defense,” said Soto. “You want them to get in good scoring positions.”

The last USF player to score 10 goals in a season was Conor Chinn, in ‘09. “We don’t have one specific guy that’s our go-to scorer,” said Soto. “It’s going to be multiple guys that are willing to step up and have the confidence to put the ball away. You’ve got to put demands on them. They’re here in this program, and some of them are on (scholarship) money, and we expect goals from them. That’s part of being an elite soccer player.”

“Guy (like Aguilar) are hungry,” said Hauser. “We’ve got to score more goals than last season.”

“Lots of goals will come from midfielders, playing off forwards,” said Aguilar, “but it’s going to be a collective effort from the front five in attack. Getting guys in good positions to score and set up teammates.”

Soto runs through the list of midfielders, newcomers and returnees, and it is evident that a large number will get their chance this season. His formation will change, based on the opponent, but the midfield will be counted upon to provide power, presence and precision.

“It’s going to come down to the guys who can really adapt to the style, and the guys who can play at the highest level,” said Hauser. “And Eddie told us: the best XI are going to play.”