On Aug 21 OCU Men’s Soccer played their first game of the season against Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS.
The team won 2-1. The first goal was scored by Lucas de Freitas, a business administration senior. The winning shot was scored by Tommasso Belli, in overtime.
The Stars spent the weeks before school participating in preseason training. Danilo Vilani, finance and economics senior said that preseason is important in preparing the team for a good season.
“Preseason is about training and getting back to the basics of the sport,” Vilani said. “We also did a lot of scrimmages. We got to play 11 v 11 and it’s just better to get the ball under your feet. We played against club teams and other college teams.”
Tommaso Belli, a business administration sophomore, said the team trained individually during the summer break.
“The coach gave us running workouts so we all did that,” Belli said. “I played in some tournaments back home as well.”
The team won the game 2-1. The winning goal was scored by Belli, who was proud to win the game for his team.
“It was amazing to kick the winning goal for the team,” Belli said. “The first win of the season is really important to build confidence on the field.”
Vilani said playing on the road is more difficult than playing at home.
“It’s always hard playing on the road. It’s hours on the bus and then when we get there, we have to stretch our legs and take care of business,” Vilani said. “Also, the bus’s air conditioning broke on the way there.”
Freitas said he is more prepared this year than last year.
‘’It was my first year playing NAIA last year and I have that experience now,” Freitas said. “My first two years I played at Cowley, a junior college, and my coach always told me the games would be harder and the fitness would be more intense, and this season I already know.”
Belli said he missed preseason training last year.
“Last year I was in Italy due to the pandemic, the first semester I had online classes,’’ Belli said. ‘’Last semester was my first semester in the U.S, so everything was different than Italy, but I’m feeling really confident this semester because I know how everything works and I know everybody. Year by year I’m building experience.’’
Belli said that this year’s team is strong.
“I think this year we have a great team and I think we can do better than last year,” Belli said.
Freitas credits the team’s strength to the close bond they have with each other.
‘’My roommates are on the team,’’ Freitas said. ‘’Our first weekend we had off we did a team bonding barbecue where we could meet everyone and hang out.’’
Vilani said the team spends time together on and off the field.
‘’We’re always eating together, having barbecues, and hanging out,’’ Vilani said. ‘’It’s a family.’’
Vilani said the first conference game is on Sept. 28.
‘’It’s a home game so I encourage everyone to come out and support us,’’ Vilani said.
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