“We have a tough road schedule ahead of us, and we’re in the best conference in the nation, and we’ve been voted to win the MIAC. I would say we’re under some pressure, but we’re definitely in it to win it,” Junior Captain Stefan Kolis said. Kolis feels this is one of the best Men’s Soccer teams Gustavus has had in a couple years and this is their year to prove themselves.
Head Coach Larry Zelenz, entering his 24th year as a head coach at Gustavus, feels very confident with the way the team has played so far. “We have a unique team this year in the sense that we are a learning team. I have had to move players around and switch some positions based on what players are available. Despite all of that, the guys continue to prove themselves. The game against Carleton, for example, was a huge win for us. We haven’t been able to beat Carleton for the past two years, and we finally did it, ” Zelenz said.
Senior captain Bret Vander Streek agreed with Zelenz that switching positions and introducing the first-year players has been a learning process, but a successful one nonetheless. VanderStreek also agreed that it has been difficult to find someone to fill the shoes of last year’s standout player.
“We lost a big player this year, which leaves some big shoes to fill. Luckily we found the perfect guy to do the job, [First-year midfielder Lucas Thompson,] and so far he is stepping up to the challenge with no problems.”
Sophomore forward Mark Adams agreed with VanderStreek and Zelenz. Adams was able to closely relate with the incoming first-years this year. “I was in the exact same position as Luke last year. I had to adjust to a new style of play and at the same time fill a huge gap left by the last guy. This year is no different. I have been moved around a lot and have been learning new positions, but it seems to have worked out for the best.”
For Adams it certainly has worked out for the best. He scored two goals in the second half of the game, first to tie up the game 2-2 and then scored the game-winning goal, leading the Gusties to a hard-fought victory at home. Kolis and VanderStreek both agreed that Adams’ game-winning goal has been the highlight of the year so far. “To come from behind and prove to yourself and your fans that you’re never going to give up has got to be the best feeling in the world. Adams gave 120 percent out there. We will definitely remember this goal,” Kolis said.
However, Zelenz felt differently about the game. “Adams and VanderStreek are definitely our standout players, but today I was impressed with our unexpected players. [Junior midfielder Ben Ikeda and Sophomore midfielder Kyle Sadler] have a lot of hidden talent that I cannot wait to see in games to come.”
Zelenz also felt that winning their Conference games on the road is more important than one goal at home. “Winning that game against Carleton College last week was a huge success. We earned three points in the conference standings, which is very important to me, because winning road games is harder than winning home games.” The men have two road games next weekend versus St. John’s University on Saturday, Sept. 26 and St. Mary’s University on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
With a third of the season under their belt, the men are excited to say they have high expectations for the rest of the year. “In the long run, we would love to go to Nationals, but for now our main focus is being first in the MIAC,” VanderStreek said. However, Zelenz has other expectations for his team. “We are approaching this season one game at a time. Yes, Nationals and the MIAC are all ideal goals for us; however, you can’t win the big things without accomplishing the small things first,” Zelenz said.
The team’s next game is at St. John’s University on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Their next home game is against conference rivals St. Olaf College on Oct. 3, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.