University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Soccer Web Diary: Sara Johnson, Entry 2
9/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Throughout the 2007 Minnesota Soccer season, gophersports.com will regularly post web "diary" entry from various Golden Gopher players. Today, junior forward Sara Johnson writes in for the second time and chats about the team's first regular season road trip. The Gophers lost two close contests at the Lady Vol Classic in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This weekend marked our first regular season games! We started off very strong. Offensively, we had one of the best games I have ever seen our team play 30 shots against Central Florida on Friday. We had great combination play and our possession of the ball was awesome. The all around play from our entire team was very impressive.
Even though we came up short on Friday night 2 to 1 Central Florida, that did not discourage us for our game against Tennessee on Sunday. The 24th ranked Tennessee Volunteers defeated us 1-0, scoring off a penalty kick. It was an even match that developed more into our favor as the game went on. We fought through the fatigue and hot weather, but it wasn’t enough. We ran out of time on the clock. If we would have had an extra 20 minutes I think our fitness level and determination would have caught Tennessee on their heels.
Our two games this weekend demonstrated how much growth we have had from last year to now. There is no doubt in my mind that our difficult schedule is going to prepare us for Big Ten play and our hopeful post season.
Traveling brings out the true character of a team because there are so many unfamiliar occurrences. You fly and bus, sleep in new environment and your diet also varies from your routine. Factoring in all of these variables is a challenge, but the biggest obstacle that many struggle with is the preparation for game time. Making sure you are mentally and physically prepared to play your best soccer is the true test on the road. Seeing how performed this weekend, I’m glad we’re on the road a lot this year!
Being that playing time and inter-squad competition is so high this year, making the travel list is a battle for a number of players every week. Depending on the upcoming opponents that week or how you perform in practice, can all decide whether of not you will travel. Traveling with the team is an honor because not everyone on your team has this opportunity. You not only get to travel around the county seeing new places and playing soccer, you get to represent the school you compete for.
Thanks again, Sara! Be sure to check out gophersports.com later this week for another diary entry, and come out to watch Minnesota Soccer when they open play at home Sept. 14!
