The Flip with Lip
November 04, 2010 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 4, 2010
Louisville, Ky. - Hello to all! Your bros are yet to let you down! For our second consecutive year we have taken the title as BIG EAST Regular Season Red Division Champions. In result of finishing the season undefeated, the accomplishment has rewarded us with a first round bye in the BIG EAST tournament and home field advantage this Saturday.
We finally made it to Syracuse last Tuesday evening. Due to the violent storms all day Tuesday; our travels were delayed for hours. Time moved slowly, but no one complained especially with the sky above resembling the apocalypse. We experienced the worst turbulence of the year this trip, and the winds in Cleveland were something else. The plane we flew to Syracuse didn't help the situation. The aircraft looked more like a bus with wings let alone a commercial flight. We eventually made it to the Embassy Suites where we were quickly assorted our rooms and roommates and split for the rest of the night.
We went through our normal game day routine, everything going to plan. After our walk-through on the game field, we took a little joy ride through Syracuse's campus. I have to give credit where credit is due; Syracuse has a beautiful campus. Everyone seemed to enjoy the midday stroll but we came for one thing, the W. Ladies and gentlemen... he's back. That's right I said it. "The Champ" Colin Rolfe is off and running. Deep into the second half against Syracuse, emotions were running high. With the scoreboard at 1 to 1, Colin Rolfe beat the keeper with an absolute screamer. Rolfe couldn't have struck the ball better, then knuckling off the cross bar into the goal. This goal played out an all too familiar scene, leaving the spectators in awe. The game ended, but the Champ was is just getting started.
Another top play of the game was not on the pitch, but on the side line. The fourth official attempted to make a call and Coach Mario Sanchez was upset. It is an obvious rule in the book that the fourth official can't make calls. They know this, we know this, it was silly to see it happen. Coach Sanchez handled it very appropriately. Coach told the official "you don't make that call." Coach was even nice enough to tell him this nose to nose so the official could hear. The official knew Coach was right then wisely went under his tent for the rest of the game. Our last game of the regular season was on senior night last Saturday against Villanova. We couldn't begin to tell our friends, families, and fans how much the seniors appreciated your support on this special day. J.T. Murray, David Stockhum, Charlie Campbell, and I thank you dearly. It has been an amazing experience that would have never happened without you. We know we will make you proud.
Villanova struck first followed by their team crazily celebrating off the field in front of our fans. It was funny. Scoring was the worst that could have happened, because shortly after Paolo DelPiccolo aka "Drama", scored a sneaky free-kick as the goalkeeper was setting his wall. We call him Drama because of how emotional he gets when he plays. It's an astonishing competitive attitude and is one of the many reasons why Drama is one of the best in the game. It was brilliant free kick reminding everyone just how dangerous he can be on a dead ball outside the box.
As I mentioned earlier, your boy Colin Rolfe is just getting started. The Champ took complete control of the game scoring two goals in the second half. The Champ is known throughout the nation as one of the best. He has earned the program's best achievements and is a Hermann Trophy candidate for his second year running. Yes, Champ has many firsts in Cardinal history. If you ask me, one of his bigger accomplishments came against Villanova. Immediately after Champ found the net for the first time of the night, he trotted over to the fence behind the goal, and embraced his woman. For the first time, in the history of mankind folks, a mid-game cake... It was the most adorable sight I've ever seen. Well done my friend, well done.
We play West Virginia at home this Saturday. This is the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST tournament and we hope to draw a great crowd. The support has been phenomenal and we are so proud of this program! DO WORK CARDS!
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