Aug. 27, 2009
WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University men's soccer team is in the midst of preseason training as the squad prepares for the opening of the 2009 season. With one of the most challenging schedules in recent memory on the horizon, the coaching staff scheduled two exhibitions against a pair of top ACC opponents. Although the Hoyas came away from the training 0-2, the lessons learned will prove valuable come the regular season.
"We purposely schedule two of the better teams in the country at their place in order to be tested," said Head Coach Brian Wiese. "We knew these exhibitions would be difficult, but we're going to be tested like that all season and we're going to need to find ways to win."
Last Friday evening, the Blue & Gray squared off against No. 2 North Carolina at Fetzer Field. Junior goalkeeper Matthew Brutto (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) held the Tar Heels scoreless in the first half, but UNC found the back of the net in the 53rd minute on a header. Less than ten minutes later, the Tar Heels made it 2-0 on a shot from freshman Enzo Martinez from 22-yards out.
Georgetown responded, however, in the 66th minute when Seth C'deBaca (Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia Prep) found freshman Andy Riemer (McLean, Va./Georgetown Prep) who dribbled past the defense and connected from the 18 to make it 2-1. Riemer had another solid look in the 88th minute but the keeper came up with a big save making the final 2-1.
"We've had some bright spots and our young guys are playing well," said Wiese. "They've all seen time on the field and are getting more comfortable with the system. For where we are at in the season, they're doing very well."
Tuesday evening, the Hoyas suited up against the Duke Blue Devils to complete the week-long training in North Carolina. The Blue Devils scored in the first five minutes on a cross to the back post for a header to make the score 1-0. Georgetown had opportunities to match and in the 19th minute a deep cross from David Madison (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect) found the head of Jose Colchao (Fairfax, Va./Lake Braddock Secondary School) for the equalizer.
The Hoyas battled for the remainder of the half, clinging to the tie and looking for the go-ahead goal but just before the break Duke struck again for to make it 2-1. In the second, neither team was able to capitalize on chances as the Hoyas fell in their second exhibition match.
"We didn't play that well and I don't think we've meshed yet as a team," said Wiese. "These two games showed us that we have a few things to get sorted out before Adelphi on Tuesday, but that's what preseason is for."
Georgetown will be back on campus to train this week before heading to Garden City, N.Y., on Tuesday to open the season at Adelphi. The match is slated to begin at 5 p.m.
