The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
Super sophomores lead men's soccer to fast start
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Undefeated through six tests, the underclassmen of the Case men's soccer team (5-0-1) have made a statement: the future is now.
Traveling Sept. 13 to Oberlin College, the Spartans went into the game anticipating a win, according to co-captain Noah Marciniak, but left with a 0-0 tie.
"We expected that Oberlin was going to be a decent opponent," he said. "The weather was bad and the conditions were poor, so it was hard for us to get into our game. We had some issues stringing together an offense as well. Also, our scouting report told us how Oberlin would be playing a very defensive game and it ended up being completely wrong. They came out high pressure when we were expecting the opposite."
Unable to score goals at Oberlin, the Spartans unleashed their offense against Tri-State University on Sept. 16, winning 4-0 at home.
"We had a huge contribution from one our freshmen, Jordan Cottington," co-captain Greg Gasbarro said. "He had one goal and two assists. Also, Brian Evans, RJ [French] and [Kevin] Bigart added goals. The defense completely shut them down. We never get much credit on defense, but this year we have only [allowed] one goal in all six games and the one came near the end of a game that was out of reach."
Led by only seven upperclassmen, the Spartans youth movement has proved to be successful.
"The freshman at this point are doing a really good job of being solid position players," Marciniak said. "Pranav [Lohitsa] was starting, but right now is hurt so Jordan has been starting. Also, Brian Evans has been our sub in the central midfield, which I think is pretty difficult for a freshman [to handle] this early in the season, but he is doing very well."
Not only are freshmen chipping in, but there are six sophomores among Case's starting 11.
"The sophomores are great. They bring the largest contribution to the team and are just so dedicated," Gasbarro said. "They bring a competitiveness to practice that helps out in games. We have two seniors, two juniors, and usually one freshman starting, but the rest are sophomores."
Losing only three players to graduation this past spring, the nucleus of the team has stayed the same.
"To be honest the team is not much different than last year," Marciniak said. "We graduated guys at one or two positions, but we now have that core group of sophomores who now have a year of experience playing at this level, and they now know what to expect. Now it is up to us to keep these guys going throughout the season."
The team has a few more home games coming up on the schedule. The men will be in action tomorrow at Case Field for a 7 p.m. game against Heidelberg, and then they will host Wooster on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
