Eagles look to rebound in second year

Tyler Towne, Sports Editor/Personality

The IVCC Men’s team will look to rebound in a big way after a disappointing inaugural season. Last year, the Eagles finished 4-13-1, yet Coach Tim Cottingim feels that is a thing of the past.
“Last year we had 24 guys on our roster, all first year college players. We’re bringing back a solid group of 8 sophomores this year that will make bridging the gap a whole lot easier for the team this year.”
One way Cottingim will look to improve this year is by relying on returning players Kevin Sanchez and Adrian Perez who combined to score 14 goals last year. Carlos Acosta-Meija and Luis Valdez are no longer with the team which could be a big problem as they accounted for 12 goals between the two of them last year, but Cottingim will be relying on the play of some of his incoming freshmen to do so.
“The Freshmen look good so far, and I am pleased with the progression they have made thus far in the season. The leadership on this team is really starting to show, and the progress the younger guys are making is becoming more and more evident.”
Another interesting storyline that many people will want to keep their eyes on include Frank Gondwe. Coach Cottingim did some recruiting across the pond this year as he brought him in all the way from England.
“Frank has performed well so far and he gets along really well with his teammates. Even more importantly he seems to be blending in well with the new society he’s been put into, and we are really glad to see that.”
Defense is always going to be a focus on the soccer field and returning sophomore Aaron Bauer will look to lock things up for the Eagles this year.
“Defense wins championships and that’s the mindset I have going into every single game,” said Bauer,” If I can help my team day to day, and week to week, in order for us to accomplish our goals this year then I’m going to do it.”
Gerardo Sarabia will man the goal once again for the Eagles this year after starting 12 games in their inaugural season. As far as leadership goes Captains this year are last year’s leading goal scorer Kevin Sanchez and returning Sophomore Daniel Hernandez.
When it comes to goals set forth by Cottingim, they are drastically different than what their record shows from last year.
“We want to win 10 games this year and compete for a Regional Championship,” said Cottingim when asked about what he expects from his team this year. “We’re going to play hard every game and improve on a day to day basis and hopefully be full strength when playoff time comes around.”
The Eagles are going to be a fun team to watch this year with a lot of talent. All home games are played at Rotary Park in LaSalle.