The men's soccer team entered the season with high expectations, but unfortunately they have failed to live up to those expectations. One of the lone bright spots this season has been the Lions' 3-1 homecoming win over Penn. Leading the way in that victory, with two assists, was first-year midfielder Stephen Foster.
The Lions were fortunate Foster was even on the field last Saturday. Before being recruited by Head Coach Dieter Ficken, Foster had never even heard of Columbia University. After Ficken brought the Light Blue to Foster's attention, he was lured from his home in Sunderland, England, to Morningside Heights by the combination of solid athletics and academics.
"Before being recruited, I was very ready for an English university, which only focuses on academics," Foster said. "But when I began to be recruited by Columbia, I knew I could get both and be in New York."
Ficken found Foster at the Sunderland School of Excellence, where he made a name for himself in the English Premier League. As captain of the England School's Football Association under-18 school boy's team, Foster was an attractive player for the Light Blue.
"He is one of the best midfield players I have ever played with, you can see that he has experience and poise whenever he holds the ball," junior co-captain and fellow Englishman David Duffy said.
While Foster has quickly impressed his teammates, the adjustment to the American game has not been an easy one.
"Here the game is slower. There is more of an emphasis on technique and tactics. The teams that excel in America are sound teams," Foster said.
Despite the style changes, Foster has made an immediate impact on the Lions' roster.
"Stephen Foster has been a huge addition to this year's team. He provides us with a new dimension to our offense with his silky skills and superb distribution of the ball. Though he has not scored many goals, he has created numerous others for other people and acts as the driving force for our offense. He has gotten better every game, and the rest of the offense is learning quickly how to work with him. He is a major asset to our team," junior co-captain midfielder Michael Ching said.
Foster quickly found a place for himself on the soccer team. During preseason, Foster affectionately received the nickname "Filth." His relationship with his teammates have helped him adjust to his new surroundings.
"I have my feet on the ground, am playing well, and thus the adjustment is going well," Foster said.
Foster already has his eyes set on team goals.
"The team should win the Ivies. We have been underachieving thus far, but we have the talent," Foster said. "The best part is, if we don't do it this year, I have three more cracks at it."