Quakerts take another shot at first game

After season opener After season opener was rained out, M.After season opener was rained out, M.Soccer will takeAfter season opener was rained out, M.Soccer will takeon the Explorer After rainy weather forced a disappointing cancellation of its first game against Philadelphia Textile, the Penn men's soccer team is ready to start the season off with a win against La Salle. Coaches and players alike are expecting today's game to show that they are a more mature and confident team than they were last year. With 14 returning letterwinners and ten starters coming back on the roster, the Quakers are looking to move beyond last year's 5-11-1 season and are eager to start the new season so they can evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses. "We are tired of just playing with ourselves," Penn sophomore midfielder Greg Kroll said. For opening day this year, Quakers coach George O'Neill is looking for new leadership on the field, but will still rely on senior midfielder Read Goodwin and sophomore striker Steve Cohen to provide veteran support. Both players are looking forward to a better season than their last year's campaign. "We've been practicing hard for the past three and a half weeks," Goodwin said, "and we are ready to work hard against someone else." The coach also holds this sentiment to be true. O'Neill was especially impressed that when practice started on August 28 in the summer heat, the players showed their dedication by not giving up and training hard. This did not diminish, he said, even with the start of the semester, when athletes have to balance their sport with academics. O'Neill is optimistic in regards to this game and the season in general and says his squad is in the right frame of mind. "They are prepared to do whatever it takes," O'Neill said. O'Neill's game strategy is one in which the the players are encouraged to push the ball down the field as quickly, and to get in as many shots as they can. "The team has shown that they have great chemistry and that they can work hard together," O'Neill said. Although the Quakers beat the Explorers 2-1 last year, a win will probably prove to be an uphill battle this year. "La Salle is a better team this year with a lot of maturity and organization," O'Neill said. Victorious or not, the coach believes that to get the first game under its belt will be crucial for Penn, and his players feel the same. "We are disappointed about last week, but are ready to finally play," Goodwin said.