TOWSON, Md. - Coming off of a season in which he started all 16 games for the Tiger men's soccer team, defender Daniel Grundei clearly exceeded expectations during his freshman season. Grundei proved he could handle the rigors of the college game by scoring the only goal of the game in Towson's 1-0 win over Georgia State in the Tigers' season finale.

Now, entering his sophomore season as a pillar on the back-line of the Tiger defense, Grundei will be asked to carry an even bigger load as a leader for the team. Towson Coach Frank Olszewski said Grundei is more than ready for the challenge.

"Daniel is an on and off the field leader. He demands a great deal of himself and expects the same from his teammates," Olszewski said. "He exemplifies this with an incredible work ethic. He always wants to take on the toughest task. His consistency is a strength and by starting and playing in every game as a freshman he gained valuable experience."

His newly gained experience will be paired with transfer Josh Danza on defense to provide the Tigers with two veteran presences who are capable of guiding the team. Danza will be entering his first season with the team as a graduate student after transferring from Stevenson University.

For Grundei, the skills that make him so successful are his intelligence and passing ability. Though he may have flown under the radar in the Colonial Athletic Association in his first season, Olszewski expects the league to recognize one of the conference's better talents.

"He is a defender who does a lot of the dirty work, so he sometimes goes unnoticed," he said. "There is no question he was one of the top freshmen in the league last season and flew under the radar because of the nature of his position. He can pass and distribute the ball well under pressure. He makes good decisions, communicates with his defenders, and organizes the team."

Grundei is part of a roster that will be looking to earn respect in the CAA following a difficult 2011. The Tigers, however, are in position to win big with Grundei leading the way this year.

"He has all of the characteristics and demeanor of a winner," Olszewski said. "As he grows in the game he will gain a greater understanding of how to defend against a variety of types of attacking players and because he is so intelligent, he will be able to put that knowledge into practice."