The men’s soccer program has gotten off to a slow start this season, but signs of success are evident. With a 6-1 win over Elmira Sept. 7, the future looks bright. According to head coach Chris Apple, “The presence of 14 returning players with starting experience and the addition of a skillful and enthusiastic freshman class provides promise for this season.”
The Yellowjackets started the season with a match versus local rival Saint John Fisher College in the Flower City Classic, a new addition to the schedule this season.
In the game, the Yellowjackets took a 1-0 lead three minutes into the second half on a goal by freshman Nate Micklos. The Cardinals countered with a goal in the 68th minute to tie the game at one goal apiece.
Despite outshooting the Cardinals 21-7, the game ended in 1-1 double overtime draw.
In UR’s second game of the tournament, they were shut out 2-0 by one of the top teams in the nation, Elizabethtown College.
The Yellowjackets opened their regular season with a home game against Elmira College, and walked away with a 6-1 victory. Freshman Nate Micklos had one goal and three assists. Five other players scored, illustrating a well-balanced attack and strong sense of team play.
“It was nice to to get such a convincing victory,” Micklos said.
Season outlook
Apple said there are “two poles, a large contingent of juniors and seniors who provide a lot of experience and know how to play and win at the college level, and a large freshman class that provides a lot of enthusiasm and skill. The two groups merge together to make a great team.”
However, it will not be an easy road for this year’s squad. A more challenging schedule will pit the Yellowjackets against some of the best teams in the nation. In addition to playing Elizabethtown, UR will face three of its most competitive University Athletic Association opponents on the road ? Emory University, University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis. UR will also face traditional in-state rivals including Clarkson College, Hobart College, Nazareth College and Rochester Institute of Technology.
“Our potential isn’t completely unlimited, but it’s very high, and the players will put it together,” Apple said. “We put a lot of work in during preseason and it is starting to pay off.”
The men travel to play SUNY-Geneseo this Saturday. Their next home contest takes place Sept. 28 against New York University at 7:30 p.m. at Fauver Stadium.
Hickey can be reached at ehickey@campustimes.org.
Additional reporting by Jeff White.
