When it comes to sports, all it takes is for one win to change the course of a season. A season-changing win can reunify the team after a string of losses or even push the team to new heights. Last Saturday’s victory against No. 16 Rollins College (4-3-2, 0-2-1 SSC) was hopefully exactly that for the University of Tampa men’s soccer team (5-3-1, 2-2 SSC).
“It felt great to end our run of poor form against Rollins, a team that we’ve had great battles with in the past,” stated sophomore Tyler Blackwood after UT’s victory over Rollins.
The team had been experiencing some adversity as of late. The team had lost three consecutive games prior to its game against Rollins.
“All teams go through adversity, but I think the true sign of who you are is shown where you end up when it counts,” commented sophomore Joshua Freese. “I think we’ll be more than happy where we finish.”
After a particularly brutal 4-0 loss to No. 1 Lynn University a few days earlier, the men’s soccer team had to regroup and figure out a way to defeat nationally ranked Rollins College. After UT defender Andrew Clare scored a goal late in the first half, it was up to the Spartans to defend their home field by making sure Rollins did not score.
Rollins shot 15 times on goal in the second half. UT’s junior goalkeeper David Niepel was able to shut out the Tars.
“It felt great beating Rollins, especially after the three previous losses,” commented Niepel on the victory. “But now we have to focus on our next game in order to back up the performance with a good result against Barry University and on the weekend against Florida Tech.”
The Spartans will indeed have to remain focused for the rest of the season. After stumbling a bit in the beginning of SSC play, they hurt their chances at winning the regular season conference title. However, with Lynn losing their first conference game on Sunday, there is still a chance.
The team has a tough schedule coming up with games against Barry and Florida Tech, leading up to a rematch against Rollins. “I believe in this team and think we can be playing come December. But it takes commitment, from the first guy to the last guy,” said Freese. “Every game in this conference is a battle but if we can come together, I see us doing big things.”
J.P. Haney can be reached at johnpatrick.haney@spartans.ut.edu