As the sun glared down on the practice field, sophomore men’s soccer player Andrew Clare prepared himself for another day of grueling practice. Just one week before he had scored the game-winning goal for the Spartans over nationally ranked Rollins College. The goal was somewhat of an anomaly for Clare since he is primarily a defensive player for the Spartans; however, it may have saved the Spartans from faltering even further after losing three consecutive games.
“It is always good to score the game winner,” Clare exclaimed. “It feels good to contribute for once.”
Last year in his first season at UT, Andrew Clare started all 14 games, which is unusual for a freshman. Not only did he start in 14 games, he also recorded the second most minutes on the team during the 2011 season.
“He’s a solid player on an off the field,” said Coach Adrian Bush. “In a couple of years he can be that guy that gets to the next level.”
According to Clare, however, his success can be attributed to a pair of gray sliders that he wears during games. During a game this season, UT was losing and Clare took it upon himself to change into his trusted gray sliders. Needless to say, the Spartans came back to win the game.
On a more serious note, Clare has improved in many ways during his second season as a Spartan.
“My best improvement is that I have become more of a leader this season,” said Clare. “I have gained more confidence as a player.”
The UT men’s soccer team as a whole has exhibited much growth this season. After a dismal 2011 season, the Spartans have in large part been very successful in the 2012 season and even managed to garner a top-10 national ranking earlier this season. The team is poised to make a postseason run, though it is up to them how deep they get into the postseason.
“Hopefully we can get a ring, it is what I want,” Clare stated. “It is what I am expecting.”
The Sunshine State Conference is one of the toughest in the nation, which makes getting out of the SSC one of the most challenging obstacles for the Spartans. The SSC conference tournament is just a few weeks away and the Spartans are hoping to be a part of it.
“We are enjoying winning,” said Clare. “The team is connected and has a good vibe going.”
With upcoming games against Rollins and rival Florida Southern, the Spartans will really have to focus on playing to the best of their abilities. Tampa will look to guys like Andrew Clare to provide leadership during this crucial point of the season. The time is now for the team to be reaching its full potential and it will take the entire team to accomplish its goals of a conference championship.
The Spartans’ next game is an away game on October 17 is against Nova Southeastern at 5:30 p.m.
“It is always good to score the game winner,” Clare exclaimed. “It feels good to contribute for once.”
Last year in his first season at UT, Andrew Clare started all 14 games, which is unusual for a freshman. Not only did he start in 14 games, he also recorded the second most minutes on the team during the 2011 season.
“He’s a solid player on an off the field,” said Coach Adrian Bush. “In a couple of years he can be that guy that gets to the next level.”
According to Clare, however, his success can be attributed to a pair of gray sliders that he wears during games. During a game this season, UT was losing and Clare took it upon himself to change into his trusted gray sliders. Needless to say, the Spartans came back to win the game.
On a more serious note, Clare has improved in many ways during his second season as a Spartan.
“My best improvement is that I have become more of a leader this season,” said Clare. “I have gained more confidence as a player.”
The UT men’s soccer team as a whole has exhibited much growth this season. After a dismal 2011 season, the Spartans have in large part been very successful in the 2012 season and even managed to garner a top-10 national ranking earlier this season. The team is poised to make a postseason run, though it is up to them how deep they get into the postseason.
“Hopefully we can get a ring, it is what I want,” Clare stated. “It is what I am expecting.”
The Sunshine State Conference is one of the toughest in the nation, which makes getting out of the SSC one of the most challenging obstacles for the Spartans. The SSC conference tournament is just a few weeks away and the Spartans are hoping to be a part of it.
“We are enjoying winning,” said Clare. “The team is connected and has a good vibe going.”
With upcoming games against Rollins and rival Florida Southern, the Spartans will really have to focus on playing to the best of their abilities. Tampa will look to guys like Andrew Clare to provide leadership during this crucial point of the season. The time is now for the team to be reaching its full potential and it will take the entire team to accomplish its goals of a conference championship.
The Spartans’ next game is an away game on October 17 is against Nova Southeastern at 5:30 p.m.
J.P. Haney can be reached at johnpatrick.haney@spartans.ut.edu