I’ve been looking forward to
today for a long time – since the announcement that a Division I Men’s Soccer
team was coming to UVU almost two years ago. The WAC published its Men’s 2014 Soccer
Preview today, and although I have been following the progress of the team as a
coach was hired and the players recruited, the fact that the conference has posted the season schedule for all Western Athletic Conference teams, makes it all feel a little more concrete.
Of course, out of ten teams
in the WAC Conference (soccer has a number of affiliates), the UVU Wolverines
were picked by the coaches to finish last. That’s ok. I’m a fan, and I don’t
believe they are going to finish last. Trying hard not to expect too much, I
remind myself often that the team has very little actual game experience. Most of
our players are freshmen – there’s only one senior, and he couldn’t have played
his collegiate soccer here in Utah, because we didn’t have a team anywhere in
the state until now. On top of that, they just lost their only exhibition game to a DII school. The guys are going to have to learn how to play together - they are also going to have to learn to be tough both physically and mentally. We don't have that yet.
So, where will this side finish in the WAC mix? I don’t know –
but they are my team now, so I have high hopes, and lofty expectations. Just
the kind of thing a fan does. I am expecting them to make the WAC post-season
tournament, and only the top six teams play there, so they can’t finish below
sixth place, that just can't happen.
Utah’s first Division I
men’s soccer game kicks off this Saturday when the Wolverines play host to
UMASS. I have purchased 3 season tickets and a few more single game tickets for
this, the inaugural game. My group is planning to arrive sometime around 3:00
for a 7:30 kickoff, and we’re bringing our tailgating gear. I’m looking forward
to grilling burgers, playing fútsol, and generally making it a day to remember.
I’m dreaming of a 3 – nil contest in favor of the team in green, even though
that little logical voice inside my head keeps reminding me that UMASS has been
playing for a long time, and it’s our first game. Still, wouldn’t it be fun if
we were competitive? If the score was tied coming down the stretch and the last
ten minutes turned into one of those amazing tension-filled experiences that
seem to be so unique to soccer - wouldn't that be great?
I can actually envision it unfold in
my mind’s eye: The score is 1 – 1, there is just a minute left in extra time, and a
penalty kick is awarded to the UMASS side. Moans and groans from the crowd,
even though it was a clear takedown in the box. The ball is placed at the spot,
the striker approaches but our keeper reads the try and saves the penalty
pushing the ball out to the wing where it is taken by a Wolverine fullback,
played up the wing, carried through the midfield and into the attacking third.
A sharp low cross finds the head of our center forward who puts the ball just
past the Minuteman keeper's fingertips and into the back of the net. Goal scored, the
whistle blows, we all go home ecstatic about the match we have just witnessed.
Win, loose or draw, the
Wolverine soccer teams – both the men and the women – are my teams. As a fan, I
get to be part of them. I get to dream about picture-perfect seasons and don’t
have to be too realistic about any of it right now. It’s going to be a great season, and a terrific weekend!
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