Friday, September 12, 2008
The KU men’s club soccer team kicks into high gear this weekend as it seeks revenge and redemption against Missouri on Sunday.
The rematch will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Shenk Sports Complex on 23rd and Iowa streets. The team returns 16 players from last season’s squad, which placed second in the national club tournament one year ago. In the championship game, Kansas lost in a shootout to its cross-river rival.
Although the team plays an away game at Wichita State on Saturday, the team is looking past that game to focus on Missouri.
A player from the Kansas club soccer team lines up a shot during practice. The team will play against Wichita State and Missouri this weekend. The team lost to Missouri twice last year and tied them once.
Nick Allen, Boulder, Colo., senior and team president, said the returning players made for a solid and experienced lineup. He added that several new players would be counted on to make a difference in what he expected to be a close contest.
“Mizzou’s team is big, fast and talented,” Allen said. “They’re just like us. Any time that happens it’s going to be a good matchup.”
Kansas’ club team met Missouri in league play three times last season, with the results not falling in Kansas’ favor. KU played into two losses and one tie, something Allen said he hoped to avoid this year.
“This game is crucial,” Allen said. “A win on Sunday would set the tone for the entire season.”
Jim Argianas, Chicago sophomore, said he was looking forward to his first KU-MU game of the season. The rookie forward said he was ready to help his team.
“Personally I’m very excited,” Argianas said. “Hopefully I’ll get the chance to cause havoc and chaos in the Missouri defense.”
Will Poczekaj, Maple Park, Ill., junior said he hoped the team would be able to prove itself Sunday afternoon. He said that the team’s energy level was always high to start the season, and that matching up with a big rival would only fuel the competitive fire.
“None of the guys, old or new, like to lose,” Poczekaj said. “Avenging last year’s lose is going to be on everyone’s mind. I’m hoping we get some good fans and good weather, because it’s going to be one exciting game.”
— — Edited by Adam Mowder
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