2008 Woodie Awards
Men's Soccer Hopes to Rebound from Tough Start
Ryan Rivera
Issue date: 9/30/03 Section: Sports
Lakeland's 2003 men's soccer team has its sights set on a conference title this season; however, starting off with a 2-6 record, they will have to take advantage of weaker competition before entering the heart of their conference schedule. "We've competed with some of the best teams in the nation which definitely gives us an advantage when get into some of the games with conference teams. This has provided us with some great experience, especially for our younger players," said Coach Mark Colwell.
Many factors have had an impact on the team in these first games, making their record misleading. "Having a young team along with a tough non-conference schedule has really affected our record, but that hasn't changed any of our goals," said Colwell.
Also contributing to the slow start is the loss of senior midfielder, Carmelo Teran to an injury. Teran, a First Team All Conference player, led the Muskies in assists last year; the team was 2-2 before his injury. "Carmelo is definitely an impact player for our team and we really have not been able to find our rhythm since he has been out of the lineup," coach Colwell said. "We've taken four straight losses since then but some of our younger players stepping up should be able to keep us on track."
If the freshmen on the team get more playing time, the leadership returning players, such as sophomore, Ryan Hall and senior, Tim Romanello, have exhibited will be crucial to regaining control of the season. "Tim and Ryan have both stepped into leadership positions whenever we needed them. Our captains are based on a game-to- game status and both have been able fill this role for us," said Colwell.
Even after the rough opening half of the year, the team is optimistic for conference play. With the experiences gained so far, the Muskies still look to be serious contenders for the conference title.
Many factors have had an impact on the team in these first games, making their record misleading. "Having a young team along with a tough non-conference schedule has really affected our record, but that hasn't changed any of our goals," said Colwell.
Also contributing to the slow start is the loss of senior midfielder, Carmelo Teran to an injury. Teran, a First Team All Conference player, led the Muskies in assists last year; the team was 2-2 before his injury. "Carmelo is definitely an impact player for our team and we really have not been able to find our rhythm since he has been out of the lineup," coach Colwell said. "We've taken four straight losses since then but some of our younger players stepping up should be able to keep us on track."
If the freshmen on the team get more playing time, the leadership returning players, such as sophomore, Ryan Hall and senior, Tim Romanello, have exhibited will be crucial to regaining control of the season. "Tim and Ryan have both stepped into leadership positions whenever we needed them. Our captains are based on a game-to- game status and both have been able fill this role for us," said Colwell.
Even after the rough opening half of the year, the team is optimistic for conference play. With the experiences gained so far, the Muskies still look to be serious contenders for the conference title.