Match Report: Cumberland University v's UC

   As the season wears on we continue to find ourselves in unfamiliar territory as a team. Playing great soccer and not getting the results we are working so hard for is frustrating to say the least. Added to the fact that we are conceding so many goals whilst not been able to find the net ourselves is somewhat of an anomaly for myself and the program. Over the past week or so I have been working hard to look at where I am going wrong as a coach and where I can fix the problems. As the head of the program I must take full responsibility for its shortcomings and do all I can to solve the problems we face. With this said, the players have been fantastic, continuing to show a great attitude in every practice and game. To show such an unwavering belief that things will turn round takes guts, and to get back up every time we are knocked down shows the resounding commitment they are showing to the program.
   
   As we departed for Cumberland University on Saturday 22nd September we knew the challenge that lay before us was a tough one. But we also knew we had an opportunity to play the game we love and do it to the best of our ability with a good performance and a result in mind.

    The game kicked off and again we started positively, keeping possession and working hard to move the ball around the field. Playing against a very solid Cumberland University team that are currently receiving votes for the top 25 in the nation we knew ball retention was going to be key. Unfortunately, within the opening few minutes we squandered possession and allowed Cumberland University to take the lead. After the goal had gone in we continued to move the ball well, being patient and not allowing the pressure from Cumberland University to knock us out of our rhythm.

    As the game progressed we created a couple of half chances and applied good pressure high up the field, winning the ball back and looking to build attacks by switching the points of play. With the half wearing on Cumberland University were allowed a several clear opportunities, and to their credit they took their chances well and punished us. The most painful part about the first half was conceding a goal with 30 seconds on the clock. To hold out at this point and come in with a 3-0 rather than 4-0 scoreline would have given us a bit more belief we could get back into the game.

    The halftime team-talk centered around out passion for the game, and our willingness to sacrifice everything for ourselves and for the benefit of the team. It is clear the team wants to win and wants to be successful, but sometimes it is hard to translate that willingness into the performance.

    The second half kicked off much as the first did at a high tempo. With it been a conference game both teams were not looking to give an inch, and the response that the players gave in the second half is a testament to their core values as individuals and as a team. Not only did we play good soccer when in possession, but we scrapped and worked to win every ball. Although we couldn’t stop Cumberland University from scoring 3 more times in the half what I saw from my players overall was pleasing. Whilst none of us are happy with losing, and especially losing by such big margins, we all know what we are capable of, and we know we need to put all the pieces together in order to achieve what we have set out to achieve.
   
    Credit must be given to Cumberland University who are showing strong signs of been there or there about’s when the season is through. They have been a team in transition over the past couple of years and it is good to see them coming out the other side. With this said, we must continue to show the level of dedication to our program and give everything we can to continue to move in the right direction. The foundations are the hardest thing to build, but as long as they are built on solid ground whatever is built on top will last for years to come.

    I as the head coach will continue to ask questions of myself everyday, and aim to continue to rededicate myself to the job I have. It is a privilege and an honor to be able to work in an environment with such great athletes and staff every single day. I am far from the complete coach, but I strive to be the best I can be, and to provide my athletes with the best I can possibly give them. I may not always succeed with this, but I will continue to give my all until I eventually do.

Here is a quote by the late great Brian Clough. He is someone who I look up to massively as a coach for what he achieved and the way he went about achieving it. Whilst always outspoken, he had his teams playing the right way, and continued to entertain the mass of supporters and media with this style of play and personality alike until his untimely death in 2004 at the age of just 69. His unwavering belief in himself and his team is something that I admire, and he was a man that never backed away from anything and always stood up for what he believed was right. While I don’t aim to emulate anybody, I do look at my heroes such as Brian Clough and continue to take gain insights from their success.