September 15, 2008
FARMVILLE, Va. - The Lancers look to rebound after a disappointing result against Towson on Sept. 13, that saw the team fall behind by three goals in the first 16 minutes of the game. Longwood bounced back in the second half, playing with more drive and passion, but were unable to come from behind for a win. This week the team looks to overcome the injuries that are plaguing the defense and put together a cohesive 90 minutes of soccer.
SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, September 16:?Longwood at UNC?Ashville, 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 20: Longwood vs. VMI, 1 p.m.
LAST WEEK:
Wednesday, September 10: Longwood 0, High Point 0 (2OT)
Saturday, September 13:?Longwood 0, Towson 3
WHO TO WATCH: Freshman Shane Johnson has been a key component of the Lancers’ defense, making big plays in the teams 0-0 draw with High Point on Sept. 10. Johnson was rewarded for his hard work this season by the Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC) who named him Rookie of the Week on Sept. 9. Johnson’s classmate and the Lancers’ starting keeper Joel Helmick has also been a force to be reckoned with this season, coming up with several big saves. Against High Point, Helmick recorded four saves, while picking up his first shutout of the season.
SERIES?RECORD:
Longwood vs. UNC Ashville: 0-2
Longwood vs. VMI: 6-2
QUOTABLE:?
Head Coach Jon Atkinson on last week: Testing week in terms of results and performances - after steadying the ship after the first half at High Point we did well to get back in a position to get a result but overall have to be satisfied with the point considering the poor start to the game. Towson was a debacle for the first 15 mins as we did not show up and looked lost letting a decent Towson team to get a 3-0 lead - after half time we looked a different team and played to the level I associate with a Longwood mens soccer team.
Atkinson on this week: We have discussed at length both results and addressed as a team a game plan to overcome what only has to be described as unacceptable performances. We have to look at getting the focus and mentality right in order to bounce back against UNC Asheville and VMI - we are under no illusions that there is no easy games at this level and have to work smarter in every game to get the reward. Better performances lead to better results, we can expect only the results we are willing to create. Intended outcomes only occur with the required effort, no less. These games will be a good test for our program and i am looking for a good response. Right now our focus is not as much on our two opponents but getting our own house in order.
Week #1: August 25-September 1
Week #2: September 1-September 8
Week #3: September 8-September 15
