Due to an explosive first half of play from Lynn University, the Eckerd College Men's soccer team fell to the Fighting Knights 3-1. Lynn was able to score two goals early in the game putting the Tritons on constant defense.
“Definitely the first two goals we gave away,” said Coach Jeremy Wisdo. The first half of play was disappointing for the Tritons because as Coach Wisdo said, “We felt like we never got going.”
However, soccer is a 90-minute sport and during the second half, the Tritons came out stronger. During halftime, the team discussed basic defending principles they were not executing and the importance of playing with passion and desire.
“Everything we talked about during halftime was well received by the [players] and we saw the benefits of that in the second half,” Wisdo said.
With the current losing streak the Tritons are on, they are looking forward to Saturday's game against non-conference opponent Palm Beach Atlantic (6-5-2) as an opportunity to potentially get back on track.
But this is more then just a pivotal game because, for five players, this game holds more of a sentimental value. The seniors of the Tritons' team,
Luke Sheekey,
Will Thacker,
Joe Copland,
Colin Kuhn and
Adam Skiff will be honored at Senior Night for their achievements throughout their time as a player.
“The group of senior players that we have are fantastic guys, they really do a good job of representing our program [and] representing Eckerd College,” Coach Wisdo stated. “I am very pleased with [the senior players].”
Saturday's game brings out different feelings for each of the senior players. Collectively, however, they all know it is an important game to break their losing streak so they can get their season back on track, before it's all over. Thacker, who unfortunately is injured, will be unable to play but he shares what he believes the team needs to accomplish, “[The team] needs to get back to the basics and get back to enjoying the game.” Hopefully, the Tritons will be able to do so.
Sheekey, also will not be able to play on Senior Night because of a red card he received during the team's game against Tampa.
“I've been feeling down all week but my hope is that the boys get a result for all of us seniors.”
Kuhn talks about the absence of two of his fellow senior teammates, “It is going to [stink] not having Sheeks and Will there. We have all been together the past four years. Hopefully, that will allow us to come out more passionately.”
For the players, Saturday's Senior Night game as Copland put it, “is going to be an end of an era.”
Hopefully, like Coach Wisdo said, “Its going to be a great environment since it is alumni weekend and its senior night so we should have a great crowd and hopefully that alone is going to be enough motivation for us to put our best foot forward.”
