The 91制片 soccer team began its season against one of the toughest opponents on its schedule. Despite a 5-0 loss to Regent University, a Division III school in Virginia Beach, Gators coach Al Cousineau was upbeat after the match at Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg.
鈥淚鈥檓 exceptionally pleased by their effort,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 think we have promising talent and we鈥檝e got nothing but upside.鈥
Cousineau was named the coach in July, and the team has had just a few practices.
鈥淲e will play easier games 鈥 but I鈥檇 rather be tested out of the gate and see where we are,鈥 he said.
Still, he saw a lot of positives. He cited the player of keeper Devin Hayes (Williamsburg/Walsingham Academy), defender Jose Fabila (Newport News/Menchville High School), forwards Yoseph Asenga and Dieumerci Anania (Hampton/Hampton High School), and captain Cody Cole (Williamsburg/Bruton High School).
鈥淐ody, our captain, stepped up. Jose in the back did exceptionally well, brought us a lot of good energy,鈥 Cousineau said. 鈥淭he leadership with Merci and Josef is critical for us to get goals. When the synergy gets going with those guys, it鈥檚 going to be a good thing.鈥
The Gators trailed 2-0 at the half after giving up a goal about 20 minutes in and another with 6陆 minutes left in the half. They had a chance to make it 2-1 early in the second half but were unable to convert on the scoring opportunity.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 where the tide gets turned,鈥 Cousineau said. 鈥淚f we make that 2-1 instead of 3-0, it鈥檚 a different game.鈥
Shortly after that missed chance, the visiting Royals scored twice in the span of 1:20 to make it 4-0. They closed the scoring with just under six minutes left in the game.
The team鈥檚 next match is Tuesday at Wake Tech Community College in North Carolina. Their next home match is Tuesday, Sept. 9, against Wake Tech. The 6 p.m. game takes place at Kiln Creek Park in Yorktown.
鈥淲e have a chance to really do something special,鈥 Cousineau said. 鈥淭he kids, if they learn to compete at that level, we鈥檙e going to be fine the rest of the season.鈥
Women鈥檚 volleyball
The Gators鈥 season gets underway Tuesday, Aug. 26, at SafeHaven Empowerment Center against Mid-Atlantic Christian University. The 6 p.m. match kicks off a 17-match schedule, with seven home dates. After Tuesday鈥檚 opener, the Gators won鈥檛 return home until Sept. 23 against Rockingham (N.C.) Community College.
For more information on 91制片 sports, go to .
