The 2008 season was very uncharacteristic for the Oakville Senior High School boys’ soccer team.

The Tigers went 11-13-2 overall with a 4-4 mark in the Suburban West Conference.

Despite last year’s setback season, head coach Dave Robben believes that the Ti-gers have the potential to creep back into the upper echelon of area soccer teams.

“I think that potentially we have the chance to get back to where we have been in terms of being a very competitive program,” Robben said. “This year could ac-tually be a breakout year for us.”

Senior center midfielder Brett Greubel returns to the starting lineup after recording one goal and 10 assists last season, which helped him garner First-Team All-Conference and Honorable-Mention All-Metro honors.

“Brett’s a solid defender that likes to attack and is very good with that ball at his feet,” Robben said. “He’s probably one of our most experienced players in terms of his club experience. He certainly has the potential to improve on his goal scoring.”

David Horton returns for his senior season on the defense and is one of several players who also excel in the classroom as he carries a 4.0 grade-point average.

“David’s the type of player that excels in the classroom, but also plays smart on the field as well,” Robben said. “He’s a very composed player who seldom gets rattled and is such a tenacious defender that most forwards don’t like to go up against him.”

Senior midfielder Greg Stevens scored three goals and three assists last year and should prove to be a solid scoring threat this season.

“He’s probably one of our better players with the ball at his feet and has a knack for scoring as well,” Robben said. “He’s the type of player that really likes to attack de-fenders and that’s dangerous in a flanker.”

Another midfielder who’s capable of scoring is senior Joe Auer, who recorded two goals and two assists last season.

“Joe is a good two-way player, which is critical on the flank,” Robben said. “He likes to hang back a little bit and then all of a sudden he’ll explode onto the attack.”

Forward Tyler Cook returns for his senior season at Oakville after scoring four goals and four assists last season for the Tigers.

“Tyler has a knack for taking defenders on,” Robben said. “So he has the potential to have a breakout season and if he does, that certainly will be to our credit.”

Senior midfielder Tim Gray is another member of the squad who excels in the classroom with a 4.0 grade-point average.

He recorded two assists last season.

 Chris Markus is another senior midfielder who can generate some offense. Markus scored one goal and two assists last season.

Senior Tim Lanfersieck scored one goal last year and will compete for three different positions.

“Last year, Tim played in the back as a defender, played out wide as a midfielder and played up top as a forward,” Robben said. “He’s going to be competing for a playing spot in all three of those positions.”

Ryan Thoele returns to take on the goalkeeping duties, but will be challenged this season by junior Josh Richter. Thoele was 2-5-2 overall last season.

Oakville Boys’ Soccer

Aug. 31 Francis Howell A 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 St. Charles A 8 p.m.

Sept. 3 Rockwood Summit A 6:15 p.m.

Sept. 4-5 Mehlville Cup A TBA

Sept. 8 Lindbergh A 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 Chaminade A 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 12 Webster Groves H 2 p.m.

Sept. 15 Fox H 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 Marquette H 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 Vianney H Noon

Sept. 21-26 CYC Tournament A TBA

Sept. 29 Lafayette H 6 p.m.

Sept. 30 Parkway South A 6 p.m.

Oct. 6-7, 10 Oakville Invitational H TBA

Oct. 13 St. Mary’s H 6 p.m.

Oct. 17 Mehlville H 1 p.m.

Oct. 20 Seckman H 6 p.m.

Oct. 21 CBC A 6 p.m.

Oct. 24 Francis Howell A 2 p.m.

Oct. 27 Kirkwood A 6 p.m.