People who have participated in team-orientated sports understand what teamwork really means. In a nutshell, teamwork is a group of people working together to accomplish a task. In sports, teamwork is a must. Having great communication and chemistry on the field or court, enables teams to be on the same page in their exhibitions.
“We want to move this program in a new direction, from how we interact with each other on and off the field, acting professionally at all times, and in turn getting wins,” said junior captain Reed Glosser.
The Wittenberg Men’s soccer team has been exhibiting fantastic teamwork as of late. The Tigers are beginning to find their stride after having defeated the Bluffton Beavers 4-0, and the Mount St. Joseph Lions 4-1 to improve their record to 4-4. The Tigers are already one game away from matching their total number of wins in the previous season. Senior captain Kevin Bond credits the young talent for some the Tigers current success.
“I think the biggest difference in our team this year is the addition of the freshmen class,” said Bond “Not only is there a large number of them, but they are good.” “It has been really fun to play with them thus far.” “They bring a lot of energy to the team, which helps make more competitive practices,” added Bond.
In the shut out against Bluffton, the Tigers were on the attack from the jump. At the 5:30 mark, junior forward Mitch Ridibaugh, scored an unassisted goal that he rebounded of a defender. Bond got the team ball rolling in the 24th minute by assisting Grant Hinkebein on a breakaway goal. In the second half of the game, the leadership continued to shine as the junior captain, Glosser, crossed a corner kick to sophomore Zach Moore. Moore showed his athleticism by heading in the cross to go up three nil. Captain Glosser and Bond rolled the Beavers over with a chip shot goal by Bond in the 61st minute; Glosser was credited with the assist.
“This season I am most excited for conference to start, said senior Zach White. “Last year, we had a poor showing during the conference season and were not able to pull out many games that we should have won.” “So this year as a team I believe we want and can change that,” said White.
The Tigers took care of business in their win against Mount St. Joseph with the same formula they have been using all season, teamwork. After three corner kick attempts, Moore got the Tigers on the board, and scored his second goal of the season. The assist came from none other than Bond, making it his second assist on the season as well. Seven minutes later, the Tigers struck again. After missing his first shot on the goal, freshman Patrick Szymczak, scored his second goal on the season; the assist was credited to fellow freshman Josh Marks. In the second half, the Tigers continued to push the envelope. Bond increased the lead to 3-0 after he scored his 6th of the season, off an assist from freshman Tucker Stas, who recorded his second assist on the year. MSJ attempted to mount a comeback when they scored in the 64th minute. This attempt was spoiled when Marks was able to post another tally on the board in the 74th minute, to take a 4-1 advantage.
The Tigers will be back in action Wednesday, September 25, as they make a trip to Earlham College to face the fighting Quakers. On Saturday, September 28, the tigers will begin their quest for an NCAC championship, and will host 4-1-1 Oberlin.
