Players’ intensity transforms team
Freshman Patrick Matchett played through injuries in UCLA’s win over Cal.
By Chris Chen
Oct. 19, 2010 11:47 p.m.
It’s raining, and the weather is miserable. The men’s soccer team has relocated to Spaulding Field’s friendlier turf, yet the spirits are still high. Jokes are flying around, quick quips are heard.
Then, as if on cue, the team disperses. It’s time to lift, and it becomes strictly business.
“Everyone understands that once we step on the pitch, once we get in a huddle getting ready for training, it’s about getting serious and trying to get something out of it,” captain Andy Rose said. “Every day of training, it’s been serious and really impressive.”
Call this year’s team the transformers. Able to joke like youngsters, this team’s members have also found the right intensity at the most opportune times.
This intensity resounds most triumphantly when they come together as a team, regardless of who plays which role ““ even if players play out of position.
“The guys are putting the team first and are selfless,” coach Jorge Salcedo said. “They’re all willing to support the guys that are playing.
“A lot of times on teams, especially with elite soccer players like we have, a lot of them are always used to having a main role on a team. But we understand that to put the team first is the best mentality to have.”
Just five minutes into a pivotal match against Cal on Sunday, key junior defender Shawn Singh pulls his hamstring.
Salcedo then rotates sophomore Ryan Hollingshead into Singh’s slot at left back ““ a position he has never played.
“There were times when I had no idea what I was doing back there and just trying to figure out,” Hollingshead said. “My teammates helped me out. The three other backs out there helped me and let me know where the best place to be and the spots I needed to get in.”
Then the backline takes another hit when freshman Pat Matchett ““ already injured with a strained MCL ““ is tattooed with a black eye and a scratched up nose. But he remains in the game. A few minutes later, he goes down again, this time with an ankle injury.
But he gets up, plays the entire match, and is an integral piece in the Bruins’ exhausting double overtime victory.
“It’s about guys doing everything they can for the team so I like both of their performances,” Salcedo said. “Pat’s been hurt, yet he steps in and plays the entire match and has a tremendous game. These guys are all very committed.”
It’s obvious this commitment goes beyond the day-in and day-out rigors of practice.
The game against Cal is just one incident where the players have transformed to further the team’s progress.
This intensity is sure to benefit the Bruins this weekend and for the rest of the season.
