Ripon College Days

Media Credit: Photo by Nancy Grier Teamwork. Forward Price Ward passes the ball to teammate midfield Carson Adler. The men's ability to work together has been the key to their season. [Click to enlarge]

Despite a couple losses, Head Coach of Men's Soccer Todd Parker says the team has shown great improvement in each game.

Opening the season with mainly non-conference competition, the men's soccer team yesterday began a stretch of four conference play games.

"All signs are pointing to a successful season," says junior goalkeeper Dave Freisleben. "We've been working hard and coming together as a team."

Parker says the team has shown a "dedication to winning."

Despite inevitable challenges, coaches and players are optimistic about the remainder of the season.

"I'm a firm believer of you become who you play," says Parker.

Junior defender/midfielder Pat Kerstein says he is ready to play some of the toughest games yet. "The intensity and focus is better than past years."

Both intensity and focus will be crucial during the upcoming schedule that includes the defending national runner-up, Santa Cruz, when the team heads to California during fall break.

In previous seasons, the team has let too many games get away in the second half. This year, they want to close games out with intensity.

Parker is confident in his team. "We can step on the field against anybody and be competitive," he says.

He was also impressed with the way the team rebounded after a tough ten to zero loss in the first game of the year at the University of Chicago.

"The defense is improving nicely," says Kerstein.

"I think we finally realized and are now truly executing the system," Freisleben adds.

Part of that has to do with the team's overall chemistry. "Our chemistry on the field is much tighter [than last year]," junior midfielder Ryan Gustafson says.

That chemistry will be put to the test with numerous upcoming conferences matches.

Coach Parker hopes for the best. "We hope this will be a coming out party," he says.

Junior defender Curt Schrank is just looking to get back to the lineup. He was lost for about five to six weeks when he broke his foot. "I need to get back," he says.

The impressive recruiting class has also done an outstanding job filling any voids. "The freshmen class has exceeded expectations," says Freisleben.

Coach Parker agrees. First years, as well as the rest of the team, are "learning very quickly."

The team is ready for the game and hope fans are too.

"We can use that [crowd energy]," says Gustafson.

"It's time for the student body to support the program and give us a true home field advantage," Parker encourages. "Fans can truly put us over the top."

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