Coach Velazquez's Blog Entry #1: Starting Off 2-0
Box Score During the Fall 2012 season, Men's Soccer Graduate Assistant Pedro Velazquez will be blogging and giving Mavericks' fans an in-depth look at how the squad is faring in its quest for an East Coast Conference playoff berth...
With a 2-0 record to start the 2012 season, the Mercy Mavericks are off to their best start in almost nine years. The early success can be attributed to a preseason camp that was very structured, and purposeful to the needs of our team. With the entire team (coaches included) staying in the dorm, they were able to spend much time together. These times together helped the Mavs bond and connect with one another as it has transferred over to the playing field.
The first game of the season is always difficult, as both teams are eager to get a win. The Mavericks first match would prove to be no different. Playing at Nyack College we took on Bloomsburg, who was a PSAC tournament finalist last year. Their direct style and aggressive style definitely made us work for the full 90 minutes of the match. The weather played a factor all day as teams dealt with a dry grass field, high heat and humidity. The first half wasn't too eventful as both teams were trying to impose their will on the other, but solid defensive play led to a 0-0 mark at the half. As the game wore on, you could see the Mavs beginning to find spaces in behind the Bloomsburg defense. In the 79th minute, Mustaffa Alobeidy beat a defender and crossed the ball in to William Koki who, with his back to the goal, would loft the ball over the goalkeeper's right shoulder for the eventual game-winner. After the goal, Bloomsburg would not go away without a fight, but the Mavs would hold on to the 1-0 victory. Solid play by the Mercy defense in Moustapha Dioum, Juan Carlos Murgueitio and a stellar performance in goal by Nick Papas led to a shutout.
The second match against host Nyack College, the reigning CACC tournament champion and a NCAA tournament participant last season, would be a great a test for the Mavs. The game was exciting and filled with quality chances for both teams. Mercy would strike first in the 10th minute on a shot from Alobeidy that would beat the goalkeeper from 23 yards out into the top left corner of the goal. After gaining the lead early, Mercy would manage the lead into halftime. To start the second half, Nyack came out flying with a burst of offense that put the Mavs on their heels, creating the equalizer. Now at 1-1 the game totally changed, Nyack was constantly pressing into the Mercy defensive third. With nine minutes left, Mercy was able to generate two scoring chances and not relinquish another goal. After 90 minutes, a winner could not be decided and the game would head to overtime. The coaching staff believed both teams were exhausted from the heat and tired legs from the game played two days earlier; if we were going to win the game it had to be won in the first overtime. The overtime began with Mercy pressuring Nyack and with two minutes remaining in the first overtime period, Mercy would score the game winner. Roberto Dashi's relentless effort would lead to a Mercy corner kick. Danny Leon Jr.'s corner would make its way to Alobeidy whose shot would be temporarily kept out of the net by Nyack's goalkeeper. Alobeidy's shot caromed off the cross bar where Dashi headed in the game-winner.
Off to a great start this year has the Mercy Mavericks cautiously optimistic, as last season's 5-1-1 start was followed by a long losing streak due to injuries and scheduling difficulties. Team chemistry and morale is continuing to grow every day. The guys are taking care of their bodies, eating healthier and doing everything possible to stay on the field. I believe the guys are learning from their mistakes and applying it to the next play. Though we still have issues to address and many things to work on, we believe the team has the right mind set and continues to improve day in and day out. Our next challenge is Tues. September 4 at Chestnut Hill College where we hope to gain another victory.
- Pedro Velazquez
