Spotlight on BV Soccer

October 3, 2009

On the attack versus Milton in early season win

BV Soccer is off to a strong 5-0 start this season (as of October 2), with a recent noteworthy win at perennial powerhouse Loomis Chaffee. Coach A.J. Cosgrove recalls the hard-fought game. “Trailing 1-0, Loomis tied it in the 2nd half with about 30 minutes to go. They put a lot of pressure on us. Instead of collapsing, we took it to them for about 15 minutes and were able to regain a 2-goal lead.” He continued, “Near the end of the game, we gave up their 2nd goal, making the score 3-2. Loomis was putting tons of pressure on us. Our guys were all tired, but they stuck it out and worked hard to the end. I was really proud of them.”

Striker Eric '10 fights to keep ball inbounds.The team’s early success shouldn’t be a surprise given last year’s 11-6-1 record. This is an experienced squad that boasts several returning players who started every game last year, and takes pride in their well-balanced attack.

Nonetheless, it’s their defense that stands out with only 3 “goals-against” in 5 games, along with 3 shutouts. “Our defense is the strongest part of our game,” says back Garrett ’11. “We have both size and speed in the back and a strong keeper, so it will be difficult for most teams to gain a big lead on us.”

Cosgrove also highlights the added defensive strength on this year’s team. “We have more speed and athleticism in the middle of the field with the addition of Will [new PG midfielder] and the continued presence of Andy [senior co-captain]. We may have lost some ability to possess and move the ball around, but have gained more of a defensive edge in the central midfield.” He adds, “And it’s defense that wins games.”

Coach Cosgrove encouraging boys at half-time against MiltonAnother notable strength of the team is its overall athleticism. “We’re a very athletic group. Almost everyone on the team plays another sport. A couple of the boys are 3-sport varsity athletes,” says Cosgrove. “The boys know how to compete when they step on the field.”

The many multisport athletes on the team are a tribute to the commitment of the players. With 3 captains whose primary sports are hockey, lacrosse and squash, their contributions on the soccer team are all the more impressive. Overall, the team boasts 9 lacrosse players, 3 varsity hockey players and 3 varsity squash players. This contrasts with many other conference teams, which increasingly are stocked with year-round soccer players.

Interestingly, this year’s smaller squad can be an advantage, according to Co-Captain Eric ’10. “The size of our squad this season is much smaller than recent teams [16 versus 22 field players], which I think is a benefit. It creates better team chemistry and gives everyone more game time.” Cosgrove agrees. “With a smaller team, the boys gain confidence and their play becomes better integrated more quickly. When they show up for a game, they have to be ready to play.”

This is also a team that exhibits traits that result from unique advantages of Exeter. Contributing to the team chemistry is the strong relationships that have been built among the team players – new and returning. “The return of 10 players has helped the team come together,” says goalie Nate ’11. “Many of our seniors have had more than one year on the varsity, and their level of play and leadership is incredible. The new players were brought right into the mix without any problems.”

Angling towards the goal versus Milton defender in pursuitWill, who is new to the team, agrees. “It’s been a very smooth transition for me. Brendan ’10 (co-captain) and I went to school together before Exeter, and I faced off against Andy a couple times on the squash court. So it was nice having some familiar faces around at the start of the year.”

Garrett adds, “Everyone seems to be good friends and it really spills over onto the soccer field. Our communication is great as well as our ability to read and react with our teammates in a manner that most teams lack.”

Team chemistry was also enhanced by a coach who had the opportunity to become more comfortable with many of the players, in part by having his son on the team. “I know most of these boys in a way that I haven’t known players before because many are friends of my son. I’ve also had a chance to become good friends with their parents.” He added, “It’s created a different dynamic than in past years, and a good one.”

Nate values the team friendships he’s made and sees them extending beyond his time on the team. “Being a part of a team is an awesome experience. Soccer is a sport that is relatively new to me, but I enjoy every minute out on the field. The relationships that I have developed with the players and coaches are ones that will last a lifetime. The season may only last from the late August heat through the snowy games in November, but the friendships last all year round.”

Interested in learning more?

Check out the BV soccer and GV soccer team pages, which detail schedules and rosters…