MEN’S SOCCER TEAM ON A MISSION

MEN’S SOCCER

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2011
TRAINING CAMP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEN’S SOCCER TEAM ON A MISSION
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LANGLEY, British Columbia – After a disappointing 2010 season for the Trinity Western men’s soccer program, in which the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002, the Spartans came to this year’s training camp with a focused purpose.

With nearly their entire lineup returning this year, plus a few key additions, notably striker Spencer Schmidt and midfielder Brayden Gant, the Spartans came into August on a mission and with plenty of weapons in the artillery.

“I think overall the vibe in the camp is exceptional,” said Spartans coach Pat Rohla. “The guys are working hard and they came in fit. They look like they’re coming ready to play. I think we’re way deeper than what we were last year. The race for spots to get picked into the (game day) 18 is going to be like no other year we’ve had.

“I think overall the dynamic is good. I think the appetite to show to the coaching staff that you belong in the 18 is stronger than it’s ever been. I don’t think on any given day we would drop much of a beat if we changed a player or two. The players have to work for it and they’re willing to do it.”

And for both a veteran goalie like Andrew Fink and a new player like Schmidt, it’s apparent this team has a distinct focus in camp.

“We’ve just put a greater emphasis on the little things,” said Fink, who led Canada West in shutouts last year with six. “We’re not looking past the minute day-to-day activities. We’re buckling down on the little things and as a result the big things are coming as shown on the scoreboards thus far.”

Schmidt added: “It’s been good. All the guys are pumped up to have a good year. Everyone is putting in a lot of hard work. Everyone is on the same page and we all want to have a good rebound year.”

Through three preseason games this year, Trinity Western is 2-1 – having beat Seattle University 3-1 and Seattle Pacific 1-0 while losing 2-0 to NCAA Div. 1 Oregon State – and look to be gelling as a team in short order.

“In the change room, I feel we’re a tighter knit group and I feel that our trip to Benin really solidified that,” Fink said.

The Spartans leave Friday for weekend games against Warner Pacific (Aug. 27 at 1:00 p.m. at David Douglas High School) and Portland’s Concordia (Aug. 28 at 6:00 p.m  before returning home to open their Canada West campaign Sept. 9 against Fraser Valley at 7:00 p.m. at Rogers Park on the Trinity Western campus.

-TW-

Last Updated: 2011-08-27
Author: Mark Janzen