OCU soccer ended their 2020-21 season in the Sooner Athletic Conference soccer tournament.
The men’s team lost the April 2 SAC quarterfinal game 0-1 to University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (Okla.) at Brian Harvey Field. The women’s team advanced to the April 5 semifinals, but lost 0-4 to John Brown University (Ark.) at Alumni Field in Siloam Springs, Ark. Mid-America Christian University (Okla.) ultimately won the men’s tournament, and John Brown University took the women’s championship crown.
Ljubisa Palic, marketing junior and men’s center forward, said USAO scored the winning goal with 19 seconds left in the game.
“Honestly, the game was pretty tough, because we played that team like four to seven days before and we won against them, so we knew how they would play, but we were tired,” Palic said. “The game, really, could have gone to either side, but unfortunately it went to their side.”
Palic said the team had a limited amount of time to prepare for the season due to COVID-19 protocols.
“We made it to, I think, the middle of September, but then we were not allowed to practice any longer, and then we had a few training sessions, but that was it,” Palic said. “All the other teams in the conference, they were able to play games and do scrimmages and stuff, so we were pretty limited there.”
Palic said the team experienced more challenges when spring semester practices began due to several international team members arriving late to campus in compliance with COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“We had some people, like me, come in late because of COVID and stuff, so we had about three to four weeks to prepare, and in the first few games you could see those issues out on the field,” Palic said. “It made for a challenge, but in the end, I think those obstacles make you, as a team, stronger and just really shows the character of all the players.”
Abby Banks, philosophy/science/economics senior and women’s goalkeeper, said her team went into the tournament 9-4 in the conference and were hoping to advance to the championship game.
“We were really playing our best soccer once we got to the tournament, which is really what you would want and ask for,” Banks said.
Banks said her teammates were physically and mentally exhausted by the time they reached the semifinals but were determined to play the best game they could.
“As far as our drive to win, I think that was there,” Banks said. “To be fair, like I said, we were playing our best soccer up to that point. I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s like you have this drive and passion to win the game, but it’s about how does that performance get there once you step on the field?” Banks said.
Banks said she and her teammates worked throughout the season to build a strong sense of team culture.
“We wanted one where we uplift and support each other, and one where when we all step on the field, we’re all working toward the same goal, and that’s to benefit OCU soccer,” Banks said. “You know, at the beginning of the season, we hadn’t played a game in almost a year and a half. Since 2019, we hadn’t stepped on that field. And so, there was a lot of kinks and stuff to be worked out because when you haven’t played in that long there’s going to be flaws. And so, as the season was progressing, you know, we were getting better and becoming closer as teammates.”
Banks said the team’s close-knit relationship helped them push through the semifinal game.
“At the end of it, we played John Brown in the last game, and they’re ranked, like, 11th in the country and are going to the national tournament,” Banks said. “That last game hit, and we wanted to fight for it, you know?”
Palic said the men’s team also grew closer throughout the season.
“I think, compared to last season especially, our advantage is that we are more of a team, you know?” Palic said. “Last year, we were just a group of people. From my experience, we were just at the same university on scholarship, and that’s why we had to play together. But now, I think we are also friends with each other, even outside the field. We go for barbeque and go out, and the vibe within the team is generally much better than last season.”
Palic said the team’s bond helped shape the players into better athletes.
“It makes you want to go to practice, and it makes you enjoy your time spent with the team, so I think that was our biggest advantage,” Palic said.
Banks said she spent her final season as an OCU soccer player working to inspire her teammates to be better athletes, students and people.
“My real mom, she passed away when I was really young, but she was an amazing soccer player,” Banks said. “She played D1 soccer at OSU, so growing up, that was a big part of her life, and the stories I hear about her from people she played soccer with, and her parents and my dad even, are talking about how she was this charismatic individual when she stepped on the field because when she stepped on that field she made every single person around her want to be better. I never really realized my potential to do that until this year, and so as a personal goal of mine, every time I stepped on the field, and every time I showed up to practice, I wanted to challenge somebody to be a better person on or off the field.”
Banks said she feels like she accomplished her goal and honored her mother in a way she had never been able to before.
Palic said the team has their sights set not just on being crowned next season’s SAC champions, but also National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics champions.
“Finishing in the top three is our main priority,” Palic said. “Of course, most importantly, we want to win the playoffs and go to nationals, since that’s the overall goal of everybody. Otherwise, they wouldn’t wake up at 6 a.m. to go to practices and stuff. I think we can achieve that, especially with these people and the new guys coming in.”
Banks said she will continue to support the Stars after graduation because the team helped shape her into who she is today.
“When you go into OCU, you hear about the dance program and the music program, and those are the things that they showcase, right? But OCU Athletics is exceptional. It’s a very successful program,” Banks said. “They’re exceptionally good at not just soccer, but every sport we compete in. I think we have, like, 70 national championships now, and we’re very widely known across the country for our athletic department.”
Banks said she hopes to see more students in the stands for future seasons.
“Come out and watch a game,” Banks said. “We love it when people come out and watch. Obviously, with COVID it’s been a bit difficult. But this goes for any of our sports, not just soccer. We love when we have good attendance, especially from our fellow students. It brings the morale up so much, and we love when we have fellow students supporting us. It really shows that you guys care about us, and it gives us hype and makes us want to play better.”
Due to a March 17 COVID-19 guidelines update, sporting events are now open to the public. Indoor events have capacity limits depending on the venue, and all events require attendees to wear masks and practice social distancing.
For more sports updates, students can visit the OCUSports website, and the MediaOCU sports page.
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