BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Now the real test begins.
The Laurentian University men's soccer team
plays its first playoff game of the season today against the
University of Guelph Gryphons in Guelph.
The Voyaguers met Guelph earlier this season,
on Sept. 26, losing 2-1.
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Laurentian men's soccer coach Carlo
Castrechino, far left, addresses the team before
today's big playoff opener in Guelph. |
If they win, the Voyageurs will then play
either the University of Toronto or Brock University
Sunday.
Coming off a hard-fought 2-1 win last weekend
over Nipissing University, the Voyaguers are riding high as
they enter the playoffs.
"We're confident about our chances, but not
overly confident," said head coach Carlo Castrechino. "We know
no matter who we play, the games are
tough from here on in. Guelph had a good year
and they're a strong side."
The men are ready for the test.
"We have to work well as a unit for success,"
said defender Wellesley Robertson. "We have to keep playing
hard and for each other. We have to support each other and play
tough and hard against Guelph."
The squad features many veterans, and it
could be their last game for Laurentian, so they have an
attitude of playing their best game so far this season.
"We have a lot of third-, fourth- and
fifth-year guys on the team," said midfielder Luis Andrez. "We
have to use our veteran experience because we have been in the
playoffs before. We have to play as a defensive unit. It could
be our last game, so it's special to a lot of the guys on the
team, but we don't want it to be the last game of the
season."
Castrechino expects another robust
game.
"It would be nice to get some revenge for the
2-1 loss we suffered to them earlier in the year," said
Castrechino. "This will be the first playoff game for both
teams and the energy and effort will be very high."
Success will come with a team effort.
"We have to continue to play strong defence,"
said Castrechino. "By doing that, we will be able to use quick
counter-attacks and pressure the Guelph defence. They're a big
team and strong in the air, so we have to keep the ball on the
ground to be successful."
Since the winner moves on and the loser goes
home, everybody will be counted on to be at the top of their
game.
"We need everyone to step it up," said
Castrechino. "Everyone is going to have to give it that extra
push to make sure we get a winning result."
