RIVERMEN SOCCER TEAM KICKS OFF SEASON ON RIGHT FOOT

by Brian Folsom

The UM-St. Louis Rivermen soccer team opened its regular season Aug.29 against Southern Colorado with a 2-1 overtime victory.

The Rivermen won on a goal by Matt Daly in the second overtime period. Daly also scored the first goal for the team during regulation.

According to head coach Tom Redmond, he is thrilled that his team won, but he said that the game could have gone either way.

"Southern Colorado had some dangerous players, and they played real tough," he said. "We were fortunate to come away victorious."

Considering that this was the first game of the season and the Rivermen have 15 new faces, Redmond said that he was pleased with the team's effort.

"Coming in, we didn't really know what to expect," he said. " We started the game well, and we played better in overtime, but I am extremely pleased and excited about this victory," he said.

Redmond said he was pleased with the defense the team displayed, and he cited such players as Josh Eckrich, Joe Stdko, Joe Becker and Kevin Pierce as being major forces in the victory. He also gave high praises to goalkeeper Brad Beeler.

"Brad was solid in goal and had some key saves," Redmond said.

Redmond also gave credit to Daly , who gave the team a spark off the bench; Dan Hugge, who created many scoring chances; and sophomore Scott Luczak.

"Scott played real hard, but that is typical of him," Redmond said.

The Rivermen now prepare for a five game road stretch against some top-rated teams, and they will begin conference play before they return home on Sept. 27.

According to Redmond, this road stretch will be a good test. The road games were kind to the Rivermen last season as they lost just once, but Redmond said that it doesn't matter where the games are played because they will all be tough.

The team begins its trip at Rockhurst College on Sept. 6. Then it travels to Truman State Sept. 7 and UM-Rolla Sept. 16. The Rivermen then open conference play at Lewis University Sept. 20 and play at Wisconsin-Parkside Sept. 21.

"We will learn a lot about our team during this time," Redmond said. "If we can return home with a winning record, then we can consider it successful."

If the Rivermen are going to play quality soccer and return with a winning record, Redmond said the team's attack and overall midfield play will have to improve.

"With our attack, we are creating shots but not finishing," Redmond said. "With our midfield play, we need more leadership there, but we are working hard to improve."

Redmond added that the team works on its strengths and weaknesses continuously in practice, and he said he is excited about his team.

"This team will raise expectations each week, and since we accomplished a lot in our first game, I am real anxious to see how this team responds," he said.