The Colgate University men’s soccer team has an intense couple of weeks ahead. The team finishes up their regular season schedule in early November before embarking on the Patriot League Tournament in one last push to end the season.
In October, they lost three consecutive games against Loyola University Maryland, Cornell University and Boston University. The BU game was on Senior Day, when the eight seniors on the team received recognition before the game.
Prior to the game, senior defender Jacob Blackwin valued that it was the Senior Day game, but, more importantly to him, that it was simply their next game.
“I don’t think we really think about it differently, especially because I think it’s important to focus on that aspect of it being a Patriot League game and not consider Senior Day as much,” Blackwin said.
The team was aggressive, taking several shots on goal. First-year forward and team-leading goal scorer, Blake Pipkin, would have been successful had the goal not been offsides. He believes that he gained his footing as a first-year after the first few games.
“I’ve found my rhythm here; just got to keep putting in the work as a team and individual,” Pipkin said.
According to Pipkin, the team has come a long way since the season started. Practices have intensified with the coaching staff making adjustments based on performance. Moving forward, Pipkin intends to remain level-headed.
“It’s always one game at a time. You can’t think too far into the future or else it’s going to mess you up,” Pipkin said.
Junior Cason Stafford, a midfielder, told the Maroon-News earlier in the season that confidence in the team’s ability to win allows them to execute any given game plan. Stafford reflected on the current status of this mentality as the season comes to a close.
“You could consider us in a bit of a slump,” Stafford said. “We probably lost that mentality a little bit. It’s partly why we struggled against Cornell. I think practice has actually been a little better recently because we realized that we [have to] step it up. I think we took our foot off the pedal for a little bit, especially when it comes to intensity and training, which is what translates into the game.”
In order for the team to win, Blackwin also believes that it begins with regaining focus in practice.
“For us, especially in conference, it’s the major thing, after we win or lose, to build on what we did well and work on those areas that were not as good– whether it was defensively or offensively– so that we can keep growing,” Blackwin said.
Blackwin elaborated on how they can win the mental game. Echoing Pipkin’s comment about thinking about the future, he expanded on his own comment about focusing on the next game.
“Dealing with those difficult games or difficult moments within games is kind of what’s going to make us stronger as a team,” Blackwin said. “I think that we’re going to have to learn how to deal with adversity when times get tough. I think that we’ve been able to respond pretty well. If we go down a goal, we’ve been able to get back in the game and win some games […] and not really look too far into the future […]. You have to know that every team in the Patriot League is going to want to beat you and that every game is important.”
Stafford shared a similar sentiment. He believes that competition among teammates helps them challenge opponents in games.
“You’re not trying to injure your teammates, but you’re going into challenges harder and making it harder for your teammates,” Stafford said.
Blackwin also shared his thoughts on being competitive in practices.
“I think it’s important that everyone is on the same wavelength and everyone has the same goals, because sometimes towards the end of the season it gets competitive for playing time, but it’s important to root for the guys on the field, and also be a little selfish in the sense that you want to be out there […] because that’s what makes the team better if everyone wants to play,” Blackwin said.
Stafford additionally advocated for teammates pushing each other while still supporting each other. He ultimately believes that their team culture dictates how they play together on the soccer field.
“Having a good team culture [means] your players being able to play how they want and not feel scared that someone’s going to yell at them on the field — just being able to fight for each other on the field. I think it’s a great thing about this team compared to others [in the past],” Stafford said.
As a senior and leader on the team, Blackwin carries the responsibility of helping foster this culture.
“I think all of us in my class have experienced a lot in our time here. I think a lot of the younger guys look up to us — and those who have played a lot — so I think it’s important to lead by example,” Blackwin said.
This leadership has already translated into how Pipkin regards his experiences with the team so far.
“The players are absolutely amazing on the field and off the field. It’s a really great group of guys,” Pipkin said.
Stafford remains optimistic and believes in the talent of the current roster.
“If we can tie it all together how we want to tie it all together in the next few games and get momentum going into the tournament, then I think that this team can do some very special things,” Stafford said.
