Bendin' it with Berry Blog
August 24, 2010 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 24, 2010
Louisville, Ky. - Well men's soccer fans, here we go with the 2010 season and the blog that goes with it. We got things kicked off with our annual welcome back cookout thanks to grillmaster J.T. Murray, followed by a week of captain's practice. We've always found it necessary to bring the team together a week before we start with the coaches so that we can get used to playing with each other and get the newcomers a chance to get acclimated. This year was especially necessary because we have 12 new incoming players. From the start this is already a fun, tight group.
At this time I would like to formally announce a couple of name changes for the year. Beau Diaz will respond to any of the following, Chad, Guy, Jeff, Chip or Hank; Manolo Sanchez, is pronounced Manilla, such as "Manilla face"; Alex Stopa has been dubbed "squid"; and Will Vitalis is just plainly "Bill." These are the only names that they will respond to so get used to it.
The first couple of days of captain's practices were pretty intense as this is probably the most talented group I have had the pleasure to be a part of. We took a midweek break so that we could have a rest and a team bonding activity. We were able to set up a golf outing/tournament at the Glen Oaks Country Club. There were six foursomes each playing a best ball format. The 100 degree heat for the front nine, coupled with the downpour of rain on the back nine provided wonderful golfing weather for the outing. After countless shanks, whiffs and a broken 4-iron the tournament concluded with our, let's use "questionable" winners, of David Stockum, Beau Diaz, Colin Rolfe and Josh Lipka. We also decided to do a "closest to the pin" competition at the 18th hole when everyone arrived. Out of probably 50 to 60 shots, we landed 2 on the green; luckily we're good at this soccer stuff. Also, I would like to take the time and say that if you are ever trying to put a competitive foursome together, under no circumstances should you choose Andre Boudreaux. He will agree with me that he has no business being out on the golf course. Sorry bud.
By the end of captain's practices we were all ready to get going with the coaches. This has been an extremely productive week and I am really excited about the team this year. We are very deep in pretty much every position this year and the competition for playing time will only make our team better. The week of two-a-days led straight into our first preseason game on Saturday the 21st against Lipscomb. It was a hard fought game with us coming out on top 2-0 thanks to Buckminster Tufty and Nick DeLeon. I thought we pressed the game very well and limited Lipscomb's chances on goal. We had more of the possession and moved the ball well in spurts. However, there is a lot we still need to improve on from this game.
Before I conclude, I want to congratulate my former roommate/teammate/blogger, the famous "Kickin it with Freddie" Braun and newcomer Brock Granger on winning the national championship with the Portland Timbers in the PDL league this summer. That is a great achievement for both of them.
Come watch us play Saint Louis this Tuesday Aug. 24th for our final preseason home match.
