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| Midfielder & Team MVP Roque Hernandez |
Let's do a little quick math regarding this year's UDC men's soccer team. Last year's squad finished a relatively disappointing 6-9-2 (2-6-1 in their first ECC season.) However, they won five of seven games at home... Pretty darn good, wouldn't you agree? 2013 provides a fresh start, with two home games vs. top-10 teams (Mercyhurst & LIU Post) and a wealth of optimism. Why such positive energy? It's all in the math: The Firebirds start the season with (count 'em) eight consecutive home games, beginning with Friday's season opener vs. Holy Family.
The Firebirds enter their second season of East Coast Conference play with 11 returning players, including team MVP Roque Hernandez (senior, one goal, one assist in '12.) Expectations are relatively low, according to the ECC's preseason poll... UDC is picked 10th out of 11 teams, ahead of provisional league member Daemen, and five spots behind Dowling (2-15-1 last year.) Between you and me, I think the coaches are just guessing...
This year's schedule has 12 home games... all of which are free. The September 14th contest vs. Nyack is the second annual "Make-A-Wish" Soccer Game, sponsored by the UDC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Last year's game raised about $300: $2 suggested donations will be collected at the entrance gate. Best of all, 100% of donations go straight to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When was the last time you saw all the money go to the charity? Bravo UDC!
Here's a rundown of this year's schedule (Home games in BOLD.) My prediction? 11-7 and a huge upset of LIU Post on October 30th. Put that in your trick or treat bag!
Sep. 6 Holy Family 4:00 PM
Sep. 8 Goldey-Beacom 1:00 PM
Sep. 11 California (Pa.) 3:00 PM
Sep. 14 Nyack 1:00 PM
Sep. 18 St. Thomas Aquinas * 3:00 PM
Sep. 21 NYIT * 1:00 PM
Sep. 23 Mercyhurst 1:00 PM
Sep. 27 Lock Haven 2:00 PM
Oct. 2 at Molloy * Rockville Centre, NY 4:00 PM
Oct. 5 at Dowling * Oakdale, NY 1:00 PM
Oct. 10 at Wilmington (Del.) Wilmington, DE 3:30 PM
Oct. 12 Mercy * (Senior Day) 12:00 PM
Oct. 16 at Queens (N.Y.) * Flushing, NY 4:00 PM
Oct. 21 Millersville 3:00 PM
Oct. 23 Roberts Wesleyan * 3:00 PM
Oct. 26 at Daemen * Buffalo, NY 1:00 PM
Oct. 30 LIU Post * 3:00 PM
Nov. 2 at Bridgeport * Bridgeport, CT 1:00 PM
* Conference game
