Soccer squads kick into gear

As most students are just getting ready to head back to c??lass, the Lakers soccer teams already have a few days of training camp under their belt and are getting set for their season opener on August 30 at Ryerson.To help prepare for the season, the teams are playing a series of exhibition games. The women take on Algoma on Wednesday, August 20, at noon, followed by two games against Concordia. The men’s team is playing against Centennial College, Humber College and McMaster University.
Lakers midfielder Brandon TeBrake explained that the pre-season is an important part of the year and can help boost the team to get off to a strong start.
“Pre-season is where we set the tone for the year. It is where we develop the work habits that will make us strong. It is where we push each other to be better players and teammates. It is where the players and coaches commit to a single vision of being the best we can be,” he said. “We must use this time wisely. Based on the number of recruits and vets we have this year, we should have a solid team that is going to cause problems for the rest of the conference. I am excited to get this thing going.”
Last season, the women’s team advanced to the first round of the playoffs, but were ousted by a strong Carleton squad.
The men’s team also advanced to the playoffs last season, but were eliminated in the first round – something that the returning players refuse to let happen again.
Thanks to strong recruiting and an off-season plan, they’ll be looking to advance further in 2014.
Lakers defender Chris Anderson noted that the playoff loss is still in some players’ minds and they’re going to use that as motivation this season.
“After an early playoff exit last year I think I speak for everyone when saying we’re excited to finally get back to training together as a team. We've got some great exhibition games coming up that'll really help us blend as a team before the upcoming season,” Anderson said.
Both Lakers soccer teams start on the road for four games, playing Ryerson and Toronto to kick off the season before travelling to Kingston to face RMC and Queens the next weekend.
The home opener is scheduled for September 10 versus Laurentian, which will begin a four match homestand where the Lakers will face the Voyageurs, Carleton, Trent and UOIT.
The regular season ends on Oct. 19 and the playoffs will begin shortly after that. ?