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Soccer
coach optimistic about next season's squad Assistant Sports Editor
After
a season with close games and missed opportunities, Lions soccer head
coach Geoff VanDeusen is optimistic about what the team has to do for
next season. We
made some great strides this season in the direction we want to go,
VanDeusen said. It was frustrating this year because we were in the
game, but we didn t win. Southern s
final game of the season took place on Nov. 8 against the Truman State
University Bulldogs. Truman started the scoring with a goal at 31:13 of
the first half. The Lions stormed back with a goal of their own by
freshman defender Anders Klarquist at 40:27 in the first half. The game
was tied at 1-1 until 80:10 in the second half when TSU scored a goal as
the Bulldogs defeated Southern 2-1. Junior goalkeeper Cesar Vazquez had
three saves. We
were in the game, VanDeusen said. We just lost another close
game. Our
schedule was tough this year, said J.P. West, freshman midfielder.
We just couldn t score goals against Truman. VanDeusen
said the mental side is there for next year, but the team needs to
add a true goal scorer and more players to add depth. The Lions
will be losing senior midfielders Gustavo Rumbos and Rob McCutcheon. I
think we showed everybody that we are a team that works hard,
VanDeusen said. We showed that we were much improved. VanDeusen
said the players also showed they could play well with quality teams.
Three of Southern s opponents, Rockhurst University, Midwestern State
and Central Arkansas have made it to the NCAA Division II playoffs this
season. We
want to play as much as we can in the off season, VanDeusen said.
We also need to recruit some players to come in and help to get
stronger for next year. West
said the team had a lot of close games that we could have won but
didn t. To
get better, we need to play with each and gain experience, he said.
We also need a couple of quality recruits. VanDeusen
said this off-season the team needs to work hard in the weight room and
focus on grades. I think the guys are pretty excited about next season, he said. Our goal is to make the [NCAA Division II] playoffs. |