Written by Tori Williamson ~ Assistant Sports Editor
(Photo from University Of Lynchburg colynchburg.org)
After obtaining a 3-0 record in the scrimmages held this past week, there is great enthusiasm around the men’s soccer team at the University of Lynchburg.
Hosting Eastern Mennonite and Randolph College at Shellenberger Field on Aug. 25, Lynchburg won both scrimmages, defeating EMU 1-0 and the latter team 2-0.
The third scrimmage was held three days later, Lynchburg playing at home against the Lynchburg Football Club and defeating them as well, the score 4-0.
“I think the scrimmages prepared us for the upcoming conference season and game-like situations,” said first year midfielder Noah Matthew.
Including Matthew, Lynchburg welcomed nine first year students to the soccer program. Many of those students took to the field during the scrimmages and helped to contribute to the consecutive wins, including goalkeeper Stefan Kapitanov, who ended the game with multiple blocks, and forward Fischer Daniel, who scored a goal from a rebound shot.
“We have some of the best competition when we play against each other in practices,” said returning sophomore Reid Rouse after the release of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference’s preseason poll for Men’s Soccer.
On Aug. 24, ODAC placed Lynchburg men’s soccer second once in its preseason poll with one first-place vote, Washington and Lee taking the number one spot with 12 first-place votes.
With four games standing between now and the team’s first conference game against Hampden-Sydney, Lynchburg men’s soccer is steadily preparing for the expected successful season ahead.
For those that are interested in the games: 2023 Lynchburg Men’s Soccer Schedule
