M. Soccer's Cohen takes advantage of second chance

Last year, Steve Cohen was injured in the first game, but got back at La Salle by beating them in overtime. After a heartbreaking injury forced him to miss the majority of the 1996 season, junior Steve Cohen is taking advantage of every opportunity he gets on the Penn soccer field. Cohen tore three ligaments in his ankle in the first regular season game last year against La Salle, ending his season. "Last season was extremely frustrating," Cohen said. "I worked hard to get in shape for last season, then the first game to get injured was very disappointing." The rehabilitation process was a long one and required dedication. "Did you ever see Rocky?" was Cohen's description of his offseason training. His key to success was a lot of running, as well as visualization, a technique he uses to prepare mentally. Penn coach George O'Neill is happy with Cohen's performance. "He has been doing a good job lately getting the ball in the back of the net," O'Neill said. "He's working very hard." Cohen has earned respect from his coach and teammates as a result of his comeback. Most people can only dream about scoring the winning goal of an important game. Cohen has done so twice this season alone. He was the only player on either team to put the ball in the back of the net against defending Ivy League champion Harvard, and he scored the decisive goal in a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory at La Salle. "It's a great feeling," Cohen said. "I know a lot of hard work has been put into it by myself and the whole team. It's very satisfying." This is quite a beginning considering Cohen scored only two goals his entire freshman year before missing last season. Injury has not been Cohen's only obstacle this season. Upon his return, he was moved from his normal defense or midfield role up to the forward position, where players were out due to injury. Thus far, he has made the adjustment well and enjoys the scoring opportunities. Penn senior co-captain Read Goodwin described Cohen as a hard worker. "It's an unbelievable job what he's done [at forward], and he's only been up there a couple of weeks," Goodwin said. "I commend him for that." Cohen has a positive attitude both on and off the field. He shows the qualities of a leader and likes to have fun on the field. "At practice, there are a lot of times when everyone's laughing, and Steve's the one making the jokes," Goodwin said. "When it's time to play, though, you have to get serious. He has his game face on just as much as anyone." Along with the camaraderie Cohen feels this year's Quakers have, his parents provide him with extra support. They make the trip from their home in Oceanside, N.Y., to attend every one of Cohen's games -- home and away. "They're very committed," Cohen said. "Every great success I have, they are there for me. It really means a lot." Cohen's parents have always been behind him. He grew up playing soccer since he was 5 years old. It will be a big change when he graduates and begins to play recreationally instead of on a competitive level. For now, Cohen is excited to be back on the playing field and likes Penn's chances this year. He is happy about Penn's significant improvement since he was recruited out of high school. While Penn provided the options he wanted for his future, the men's soccer team was consistently below the .500 mark, until a late run last year made Penn a contender. "We're going to fight until the last minute," Cohen said. "We will get chances and we will succeed."