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THE GLACIER SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 VOLUME 47, ISSUE 3
Men’s team starts out the year 2-0-0 By Jean Cruz Staff Writer Two games into the men’s 2013 soccer season, the Cyclone’s change in gameplay is giving the fans plenty of reasons to jump for joy. “You always have to adjust,” stated head coach Chuck Bales. “After the rule to limit the amount of international players imposed by the NJCAA, and the lack of players coming into to the school, we ended up with a small team last season, which led us to a more defensive style of play than we would have liked.” The lack of players and conforming to a different style of play took its toll on the team last season as the men’s soccer squad ended the 2012 campaign with a (4-7-2) overall record. However, early into this season things are already beginning to look different for the team as they currently hold a (2-0-0) record after defeating Kennedy King College 3-1. Still, Bales is not looking at the current stats. “The team shouldn’t get big headed or imagine things are better than what they are”, said Bales. “It’s early in the season and there is still a long way to go. There has been a complete change in how we play since last season. The NJCAA rule has been changed and the new team is back to playing the offensive passing style that we are used to. Nevertheless, the most dangerous thing is to believe that you have nothing to im-
prove on.” Aside from telling his players to maintain their focus, Bales has attempted to make it clear to them that they are not in a particularly easy conference. “There are no Patsy teams,” said Bales. This means that there will be harder matches for the Cyclones as the season progresses. The team has seven players returning from the previous season. Midfielder Joe Mastej, defender Marko Enciso, and forward Lukasz Duda are expected to have a bigger impact on the team this year since they are playing in positions that are more natural to them unlike the previous season. Aside from the returning players, the team has been able to acquire a lot of new talent that will be vital to reinforcing the offense as the 2013 campaign continues. According to Bales, some of the freshmen that he’s expecting more from as the season progresses are defender Jorge Martinez and Ranulfo Pantaleon, and forwards Patryk Paprocki and Fuad Haleem who have already scored this season. Bales stated that, “The ultimate goal of the season is for the team to learn to play right, and to win titles.” It is still a fresh campaign for the men’s soccer squad, but the goals set seem obtainable. Which ultimately leaves the fans hopeful for a possible title in 2013. Jean Cruz can be contacted at cruzj67@ student.morainevalley.edu.
Cyclones defender Marko Enciso (white) heads the ball out of their territory on Sept. 10 against Prairie State. The Cyclones won 1-0. [Jose Gonzalez]