Men's soccer is a team we can believe in

This ran in the Campus Chronicle Oct. 3.  Enjoy!

 

            Often we are quick to write off teams because of their recent history.  This goes to professional teams all the way down to high school teams.

            The Tampa Bay Rays were seen as the worst of the worst and now they are the pacer in the American League East Division.  John Kitna of the Detriot Lions was scolded for boldly predicating his team would win 10 games this year.  They still aren’t on pace to do so but you have to respect his swagger.

            In order for teams to do what the Rays did this year there has to be a believer.  Someone has to believe in a losing team can string together some wins.  This year High Point University has a new winner to take believe in.

            The men’s soccer team has been showing signs of brilliance early this year.  Within the first seven games they have won four, outshot opponents and created excitement at games.

            The first game of the season had over 1,000 fans at the game!  It was just a Saturday night and fans didn’t go home disappointed.  The game ended in a victor over rival Elon.

            How could we not forget the Appalachian State game that ended with a heated exchange?  HPU controlled the game from opening minute to end edging the Mountaineers by a goal.

            Last week the team traveled to Raleigh and defeated NC State in overtime.  Dustin Fonder’s bunch is no joke this year.

            Last year, against those same three schools they lost all three games and were outscored 11-1.  This year they win three games and outscored their opponents 6-3.

            All last year they won five games, it seems that standard is going to be shattered.  Now the question is will we believe in them?

            Can we believe in a freshman-starting goalie?  Michael Chesler has the confidence of his team.  He has been between the pipes every minute of every game.  His goal against average is less than all of last year’s.

            Can we believe in a new position in Chris Shrum?  Last year Shrum played defense scoring six goals.  Not even halfway through the season Shrum has three goals.  His size allows him to push through the opposing teams’ defense.

            Can we believe in a team outscored by 15 goals last year?  This year’s squad has scored just as many goals as their opponents, had more shots than their opponents and have had more corner kicks.  More opportunities on offense has given HPU a better chance.

            Can the team believe in us?  The attendance at Vert Stadium has been higher this year than last year’s average.  Not only are we supporting them but also the Panthers have played in front of more people home than away by over 100 people.

            The answer should be yes to the questions.  I know it is hard to support volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer at the same time.  But you can’t complain when three teams equally deserve our support.  Let’s help the men’s soccer team raise the bar together.