BOONE, N.C. – The Appalachian State University men's soccer program took to the pitch for the first time this fall, on Tuesday, in an afternoon session after spending the morning focusing on fitness.
“This afternoon was a good session," said head coach Matt Nelson. "Their legs were tired from this morning and they worked hard this afternoon. They put the work in and I'm proud of them.”
Sometimes hard to judge after just the first day of training, but Nelson was pleased with what he saw.
“Obviously it's just the first day, but I'm happy with where we are. They brought a lot of energy today and I'm happy with the mentality that was brought today. We have a great group of guys.”
The team is taking a defensive approach to this first week, which is an aspect that has been strong in years past.
“The focus has to be on the defensive side of things," said Nelson. "If you can be solid on the back end and not give many goals up – you'll have an opportunity to win. This week we'll focus on our defensive ability.”
“Everything looked good today," said junior defender Walker White. "Everybody was working hard and a lot of the guys came back really fit. Chemistry is a big thing we are working on and getting guys on the same page with a couple of games coming up – especially defensively. Once we get defensive tactics down, we'll start with our offensive technique.”
White's teammate, Patrick Harrow, spoke to the chemistry and what he saw out on the field this afternoon.
“I think one of our main focuses is chemistry right off the bat. We've had a really good week getting the team together without the coaches and have a great group of freshmen. We have a strong leadership from our older guys this year and there is definitely some camaraderie out there.”
“We have leaders that are taking control and that makes it easier as a coaching staff," said Nelson. "We can rely on those leaders to help carry us through when the coaches aren't there. We're excited for this year. We're a talented team."
The team will compete in its first of three exhibition games this Friday when they travel to UNC Asheville. On Sunday, the Mountaineers will host Campbell at 7 p.m. The Apps will wrap up the preseason at High Point on Saturday, Aug. 23 before opening the season in Harrisonburg, Va. at the James Madison Invitational with matches against Albany and Vermont starting on Aug. 29.
