Author: Gerry Maravilla
The Occidental Men’s Soccer team kicked off the 2007 season well – a welcome change from somewhat disappointing seasons in years past. In the last week, the team defeated Pomona-Pitzer 3-1 in a solid display of technique, skill and teamwork. Their win against Pomona-Pitzer, coupled with their impressive 7-0 win over Caltech, marks the team’s second conference victory and gives them a SCIAC record of 2-1. With such a promising start to conference play, the Tigers are optimistic about the season.
Unlike previous years where only the SCIAC conference winner would progress into the NCAA tournament, this year the top four teams in the conference enter into a tournament of elimination where the top team becomes the SCIAC champion and enters into the national tournament. The Tigers plan to be in the top four in the SCIAC, a goal they set for themselves as a group.
At the beginning of each season, the team meets independently of the coaching staff to develop their goals for the season. “This strategy allows for more buy-in from the team members and more accountability in the season,” Coach Colm McFeely said. “The goal this year for the team is to finish in the top four of the conference.”
In order to finish in the top four, the team has been working on improving in all areas, especially finishing their attacks. “We need to improve on both sides of the ball,” Captain Ben Torgersen (senior) said. “We have to get the ball in the back of their net and keep it out of ours.” Torgersen has seen the team improve in each of his four years and he feels they have made big strides.
The coaches have been working the team tactically and technically in order to gain a greater understanding of the ball and the game itself. To McFeely, it is vital for the team. “The goal is for the players to believe in their ability and to maintain a mental toughness,” McFeely said.
This year the Tigers are seeing results. The team has progressed quite well and continues to improve each year, thanks in large part to senior leadership. Many of the senior players on the starting roster have played together since their first years. Torgersen and McFeely feel this has led to a sense of camaraderie, friendship and respect among team members. There also are some promising first-years on the 2007 squad. “Right now, we have first-year Ian Powell in goal and he is a great starting goalkeeper,” Torgersen said. “Junior John Minger is terrific in midfield.”
There has also been an addition of a new assistant coach to the team, DJ Waddington. McFeely praises Waddington’s impact already. “He is working well with the group,” McFeely said. “He is young and close to the age of our players. There is a great sense of passion and vibrancy in him.”
A top four finish is a lofty goal for the Tigers, but the coaches and players are determined to make it happen. “Together as a team we have made big strides,” Torgersen said. “We are greatly improving and seeing the results we want.”
Watch the Tigers take on the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen on Saturday, September 29 at 7 p.m. on Patterson Field.
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