Men’s soccer season winding down

Saints hope to complete their season by sweeping north Florida schools

By Melissa Bear

As the Flagler College men’s soccer team nears the final games of the 2006 season, several sentiments are at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

“We want to finish the season with no regret,” sophomore captain Neil Patrickson said. “We don’t want to look back and think we should have won this game or that game.”

Senior Andres Jaramillo said this year’s team has been one of the most enjoyable of the past few years.

“I feel like we are all playing as a unit, and my main goal is to go out and have fun and give it all I’ve got and to beat those teams and make this season the best I can make it,” Jaramillo said.

After beginning this season with a strong 4-1 start, the Saints have run into various rough spots due to injuries.

Four of the six seniors have been injured at one point or another, as well as several of the teams vocal leaders. This has also allowed for some less-experienced players to step into key roles.

“Sometimes people can crumble and fall when you are missing that leadership on the field,” head coach John Lynch said. “Some players have done a good job and have stepped up. As long as people step up and realize that it is their turn, then they’ll surprise themselves at what they are able to do.”

Lynch has been pleased by how well his team has played against teams in the area. To date the Saints have beaten Jacksonville University, Stetson, UNF, Rollins College and Embry-Riddle, dating back to last spring as well as the current season.

“It would be nice to complete the sweep of the north Florida schools,” Lynch said. “I think that really says something and when high school seniors look at the schools in this area, they’re going to see that we are a top program.”

The Saints are 9-8, following losses to Northwood, Riddle and Winthrop. They will finish their season at home on Nov. 4, at 7 p.m., against UNF.