By ELANI COHEN
After a tough loss against the Niagra Purple Eagles this past weekend, the Red’s first loss in a non-conference regular season game since September 2011 and its first loss of the season, the Cornell men’s soccer team is keeping its spirits high and is preparing for its upcoming game against the Penn Quakers. The game will be played at Penn’s Rhodes Field on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Though the Red is coming off a disappointing loss, it is ready to begin Ivy League play on a positive note. Led by senior captains Jake Rinow, Patrick Slogic and Ben Williams, the team has high expectations heading into Ancient Eight play.
“Well we’re looking to start the Ivy League strong. Conference play is really important to us,” said senior co-captain and midfielder Ben Williams.
In a 3-2 win over Penn last season, the Red fell behind early, but scored three straight goals, capped off by a strike by senior midfielder Stephen Reisert, which would end up being the game-winner. Up until last game, the Red had still not lost a game with a record of 6-1-2.The Quakers are coming in with a record of 3-6-0. Despite Penn’s recent struggles, the Red knows that the game will be demanding nevertheless.
“We’re expecting a really challenging game. We know it’s going to be a battle, that they’re going to come in very intense,” said senior co-captain and defenseman Patrick Slogic. “We know it’s very important to overcome that intensity and to be sharp in every play of the game, defensively and offensively, to make sure we don’t give up any opportunities for them and that we put away all of the chances that we have.”
Proven by the Red’s success so far this year, the captains have shown their ability to be leaders both off and on the field. All three captains have contributed more than once to the Red’s overall 10 goals this season, and have shown their team members the importance of teamwork and dedication to the squad.
Though the team agrees that this will be a tough season, the Red is preparing with intense practices, hard work and determination to maintain its title as Ivy League Champions. According to Williams, the Red’s difficult non-conference schedule has prepared the team well for the ever-important start of Ivy League play.
“Building up all of our positives from out of conference play and trying to put everything together will help us get results,” Williams said.
By Connor Archard / Senior PhotographerSenior midfielder Stephen Reisert scored the game-winner in a 3-2 win over Penn last year.