Mens Soccer is not backing down

Anne Arundel Community College Men’s Soccer faces injured players, but the team continues to practice hard, to have their chance to compete at Nationals.

After the Pioneers fifth lost this season the team now stands at a record of 3-5-1. The Pioneers lost their most recent home game 2-1 against Howard Community College in double overtime last Friday. 

“It could have been anyone’s game,” said head coach Nick Cosentino. “I was happy because we had guys playing out of position.”

Cosentino said he was overall happy with the effort of his players, but was disappointed in the loss.

The Pioneers began this season with a line-up of 23 players, four which are returnees from the last season, but due to injuries in practice and games the team in down six players, three which are returning players.  The injuries vary from hip flexors to sprained ankles, but the hurt players can still be seen on the sidelines supporting there team and icing their limbs.

When Cosentino was asked what are the team strengths and weaknesses he said they have a lot injured players, but once we get everyone back and healthy we should have a good chance in the playoffs.

 The team has two captains, Rob Engel and Ryan Scanlan, both returnees and sophomores at AACC.

“We’re trying to finish strong for the rest of the season until everyone gets back,” said Engel. “Hopefully we get to Nationals, that’s the main goal.”

Engel plays midfield for the Pioneers and has played soccer for six years. This alumnus of Northeast high school has scored one goal this season, but says that that is not enough.

“Everyone is stepping up,” said captain Scanlan. “Injuries are bringing us down a little bit, but I feel that we should be good.”

Scanlan, a defensive player, goes between two positions, outside mid and outside back. His strengths as a player are his speed and his mean left foot.

The team has 18 freshman players varying in skill and position, but one freshman has helped the team along. Tyler Simpson, jersey number 1, is the starting goal keeper for the Pioneers.

“I think we’re a pretty good team, we’ve got a lot of potential,” said Simpson. “We’ve got a lot of injuries right now, but once we get everyone healthy we’ll be fine.”

Simpson is ranked sixth in the conference for 25 goals saved. This North County high school graduate has played soccer since he was five years old.

The Men’s Soccer team plays away for the next three games and returning home to play Allegany College of Maryland Oct. 3 at 5p.m. Presently the team is focusing on each game to get better and everyone is confident that when their injured players return to the field they will be even better.