Men's soccer team continues winning
Abe Baxter, '11 | Staff Reporter
Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: Sports
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The team played their first game on Sept. 1 against Green Mountain College. Morrisville forward Andrew Stein scored the Mustangs' only goal in a 1-1 tie. Stein's goal was made on a penalty kick late in the first half. Morrisville goaltender Greg Igglesden stopped four of five shots in the game. "I thought that the Mustangs played a great game," said Alex Gelting, a fan at the Sept.1 game.
The team will be led by its two captains, Eric Stein and Tim Benedict, who have been exceptional leaders during the off season. "The team camaraderie has been good during the off season and training sessions so far for us," Daviau said. "This is a key component for building a successful team. They have been great leaders."
The team will benefit from having a roster full of returning players from previous seasons. The team has 31 players right now, however only 24 will be suiting up on game days. Players that do not make the field will still practice with the team. They will be put onto the roster in case team injuries occur later in the semester.
The key to the Mustangs' season is "being a balanced team. Our goal is to be competitive in every game," Daviau said. "The team is working to become a tight knit unit. It's a long process to bring all of the players together in the early going of the season. This group is fun to coach and fun to be around."
"Kyle Graves is an assistant that has helped tremendously this year," Daviau said. This is assistant coach Graves' first season with the Mustangs. Graves coached at East Rochester high school and played four years at Keuka College.
Daviau has made some changes in the schedule in order to bring the team together, by having practices until after eight at night and as early as seven in the morning before school starts.
"The team looks good. Our practice turnouts have been great," Graves said. "Our main goal is to win as many games as possible while building a strong foundation and learning from our mistakes."
The Mustangs won their first game and lost their second game in the D'Youville College Tournament. Morrisville lost 6-0 to Old Westbury and beat D'Youville 3-2. On Sept. 9 the Mustangs beat Hilbert College, 1-0.The team's overall record is 2-1-1. Their next game is on Sept. 12 against Penn State-Abington.