With both teams finishing their opening weekend undefeated, Lynchburg Men’s and Women’s Soccer has been showcasing elite defensive play, strong contributions from freshmen and impactful veteran leadership.
For the men’s team, assistant coach Kenny Robles understands the importance of building on the strength from their returning players and acclimatizing the freshman in order to find the ideal combinations on the field.
With a backline of returning students including Reid Rouse, Benjamin Velasquez, Isaac Torres and William Casey is proving to be a solid foundation, as the team ended their opening weekend 1-0-1.
“I think everyone played a big part in the first two games. Our back line we know is gonna be solid again with the same back 4 from last year. We got a couple freshmen, such as Matthew Viscuso, Erik Vasquez and Izaack Cruz who appeared in their first ever games with us and did well,” said Robles.
Senior defensive player Benjamin Velasquez also credited the team for its major defensive success, only allowing one shot on target after two games.
“That is very difficult to achieve for any team, and I cannot give praise to just our backline, but it’s also our midfielders and forwards who make opponents uncomfortable during their possession,” he said.
For the women’s team, head coach Natalie Beazley has emphasised building chemistry early on with the new players during preseason in order to prepare for a competitive opening weekend, beating Denison University 1-0 and tying with Rhodes College 0-0.
“We had three freshmen starting in pivotal roles. They played like veterans with a steadiness to their game that I believe is rooted in their trust and comfort in fellow teammates both on and off the field,” said Beazley.
Junior midfielder Lauren Orner, who has played in 35 matches in her time as a Hornet, echoed Beazley’s praise for the team’s drive and determination to win each game and get better each practice.
“I learned that this is a team that can be very very good. Everyone brings energy daily and has the willingness to fight hard,” she said.
Both of these Lynchburg teams are focused as they continue to compete at a high level while remaining undefeated thus far, taking on one game at a time and depending on one another to achieve a successful season for their programs.
For more information, visit Lynchburg Sports Calendar.
