Marquette University Athletics
Men's Soccer Recaps Its Spring Trip To Florida
3/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
March 24, 2008
The Marquette University men's soccer team spent March 13-16 training in southern Florida. The ambitious schedule included four games in three days. Marquette faced Florida Gulf Coast, Palm Beach Atlantic, Florida International and wrapped up competition against the U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team.
Head coach Louis Bennett had a few comments on the team's spring trip, in addition to a day-by-day, first-hand account from Associate Head Coach Stan Anderson.
"We took a few, select guys and some guys who were rehabbing injuries," said Bennett. "Overall, it was a very positive experience. We played a variety of competition. It was good for us to get on a big field so we could see where our training and fitness levels were at."
"Playing the national team was good and the way we played was very promising," Bennett added. "Playing four games in three days physically stressed them out, but their ability to play on the last day was a testament to their conditioning and mental toughness. The trip was a great way to kick off the spring season, and we'll look to do it again. Some guys really improved their stock. It was definitely a promising step forward."
A Coaches' Journal: Associate Head Coach Stan Anderson
March 13, 2008 We flew out of Chicago (yes, my hometown!) into Tampa on Thursday morning. We landed, checked in, ate and had a light training session at Florida Gulf Coast University. The capper for the evening was to watch Marquette basketball win their first round BIG EAST tournament game!
March 14, 2008 Due to a long day of travel the previous day we had the guys sleep in on Friday morning. Our kickoff was at 4:00 pm v FGCU with a 2x45 minute set up. A goal in each half gave us a deserved 2-0 win.
After the match it was straight to the Fort Myers Beach to enjoy some sights, some guys fishing for shark, a street magician and get our legs in the water as we have two mini-games the following day.
The nightcap for Friday night was, again watching Marquette basketball win another BIG EAST tournament game, upping their stock come "Selection Sunday!"
March 15, 2008 Saturday arrived pitting us against Palm Beach Atlantic (4:00 pm) and Florida International (6:00 pm).
The first match saw us have the better of play but a mistake in the back created a chance for PBA and they put in the games only goal. Striking the woodwork three times did not produce a goal for us. (We probably dented the goal though!).
The second match, vs. a storied FIU program, saw little action in the first half. It was the second half where our shots found the target early and often producing many a corner and many a keeper save. In the 43rd minute of a 50-minute game we scored the game winner ... a left footed volley from Tyler Schwab from six yards out.
Saturday night we ate like kings as Sunday brings an early wake up and a trip down I-75 to Bradenton for a friendly with Wilmer Cabrera, his staff and the US U17's.
March 16, 2008 The match in Bradenton proves to be a good test. Both sides produce chances, our best coming off the noggin of Matt Stummer, but neither side gets rewarded for their effort as on a cloudy day we end in a scoreless draw.
Four games in three days is a physical challenge but the guys worked through a difficult situation and put together quality work at both ends of the pitch. We end the weekend 2-1-1 allowing only one goal and scoring three.
Once again we ate to replenish and then headed 45 minutes to the Tampa airport where the real Hulk Hogan blessed us with his presence at the ticket counter. (A photo op it was ... and photos were taken!)
