CU Soccer Tunes Up for Ivy Competition

A preseason extended by 12 days this year has benefited the Columbia men’s soccer team (0-1-1), allowing more training for its Oct. 4 conference opener against Brown—last year’s undefeated Ivy League champion. Thus far, the team’s focus has been on organization within its game plan, and head coach Leo Chappel has been pleased with the team’s progress.

“We came out of the preseason with a good idea of who we were, and most importantly we came out healthy,” Chappel said. “Our midfield has the potential to be our strength in terms of knowing each other’s game, and our leadership there is really starting to click.”

Although the team emerged from the Marquette Invitational with a 1-0 loss to DePaul and a scoreless tie against Marquette, Columbia’s 1-1 tie in an exhibition match against Ivy competitor Dartmouth may be indicative of its potential to grow this season. The Big Green is currently ranked 25th in the nation and went on to beat powerhouse Indiana 4-0 after playing the Light Blue.

In their three games, however, the Lions have been unable to find the back of the net. The offense has posed the greatest challenge for the Light Blue in its matches, although a strong midfield and defense have allowed it to keep games close, allowing just two goals in its last three games.

“We’re creating lots of chances, all we need is the finished product in front of the goal,” Chappel said.

According to Chappel, organization is an important aspect of the team’s game plan that needs to be maintained at a high level for the team to succeed, especially against highly talented teams like Dartmouth. With 11 recruits this year, finding and maintaining their chemistry will be vital to the Lions’ success against older and more experienced opponents.

“Our freshmen have been making a good adjustment. Many of these players were recruited based on their character and courage,” Chappel said.

On Friday, the Columbia faces regional opponent Stony Brook at 7 p.m., followed by Sunday’s 1 p.m. home game against UC Santa Barbara, a team currently ranked 13th in the nation. On Wednesday, the Lions will look for redemption against La Salle, to whom they lost in overtime last year.