Men’s Soccer

UDC MEN SOCCER UP TO A GOOD START

By Jose Garcia

The University of the District of Columbia Men’s Soccer Team

The University of the District of Columbia men’s soccer team opens their 2013-2014 season with a historical record of 5-2-0 (compared to the last year record 6-9-2). The UDC Firebirds are only halfway through their season. Beginning  their season with a win over Holy Family University winning 4-1, this season’s soccer team has 11 returning players and 10 new players. The Firebird team has a unique and  diverse group of players from all over the world including Germany, England, El Salvador, Honduras, French, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mali and Ghana.

The UDC men’s soccer coach Matthew Thompson said, “We are optimistic to finish in the top four of the ECC Conference to make it to the playoffs; that our ultimate goal this season.” He adds, “We have to be consistent as a group, as a team even though the UDC men soccer program is young (only three years), we want to do something great not only for the institution but for the community.”

UDC soccer team member Carlos Reyes said, “It feels good to be winning, last year we didn’t do good; we lost a lot of games, and I think it’s a good start for the UDC soccer sport.” He also said, “This motivated me to become better and to perform better to work harder in the soccer field because we have a good chance to make it to the playoffs and win the ECC championship.”

The University of the District of Columbia Men’s Soccer players Ever Alvarez, Carlos Reyes, Moussa Traore, Juan Quintanilla and Atunde Akum before their practice.

Another UDC soccer player Moussa Traore said, “The team is more motivated these year because UDC were picked to finish 10th in the ECC conference.” He also said, “There is more competition on the team, unlike last year were players gave up. Also the team attitude is more positive and you need that to have a successful season.”

Peter Eklarious, UDC Accounting Senior, said, “It feel good to see the UDC soccer team play because they are playing with passion this year and winning games.” He followed with, “It’s great to come to the games now; a lot of fans are coming to support the team and the chemistry is good even though they are not from the same country, the team is very diverse and that’s something interesting to see in this team.”