Men's soccer team searches for sideline leadership during first games of season

Splitting the first two games is not what the Fanshawe Falcon men's soccer team had envisioned to start the season.

On Saturday September 17th the men's soccer team hosted the St. Clair Saints in their first regular season game. In a helter skelter contest, the Falcons struggled with communication and ball control as the Saints defeated Fanshawe 1-0.

With each game vital in the short eight-game season, the Falcons were desperate for a win on Tuesday September 20th against the Redeemer Royals. Battling through injuries and inconsistency, the Falcons beat the Royals 2-0, led by a pair of goals by rookie striker Greg Remijm.

After a fiercely competitive set of tryouts, the Falcons seemed satisfied just to show up against the Saints. Head coach Paul D'Hollander was disappointed with the team's first effort of the season.

“We panicked and lost our composure,” said D'Hollander. “We started to play as a number of individuals and not as a team. We were unorganized, and it was chaotic out there.”

With a team that consists of 10 first-year players, the inexperienced Falcons were kept in the game by goaltender Shawn Mendes, who made several difficult saves.

“This is a very high level of soccer, said D'Hollander. “I think some of them didn't appreciate just how high the level is and how much effort needs to be put forth.”

D'Hollander said the team needed its key players to step-up and fill leadership roles, as well as stick with the game plan organized by the coaches.

The Falcons fared better against Redeemer, defeating the Royals 2-0. Greg Remijn capitalized on two long-break-out passes, and scored goals in the latter parts of the first and second halves.

“Greg has tremendous speed to breakaway from defenders and consequently he was calm in his finish which is nice to see for a striker.”

Shawn Mendes, who switched from goaltender to mid-fielder against the Royals, said the team was more settled in against Redeemer.

“The coaches put a lot of emphasis on the kind of style we want to play and just built it in us,” said Mendes. “They also enforced that we had to work a lot harder.”

The better effort resulted in a much-needed three points for the Falcons.

“The fact that I'm doing so much coaching, and re-directing from the sideline concerns me and tells me that there isn't enough leadership on the field,” said D'Hollander. “There is a lot of mental breakdown. People are just missing their assignments and generally that comes from persons on the field.”