Soccer team attempts to reverse its fortunes with set of matches against tough opponents
TCU players and coaches are eager to improve their record over the weekend with home-field advantage on their side and to forget their disappointing 1-8 start.
BY DANNY GILLHAM
Sports Editor

The early season has not been pleasant for the men’s soccer team.

With a 1-8 record, the Frogs are having difficulties making plays that result in wins.

The team looks to change that this weekend at the 2002 TCU-United American/Adidas Soccer Classic at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium.

The Frogs games include College of Charleston and conference foe Cincinnati.

Coach Blake Amos said nothing else is more important right now than getting a win, especially against Cincinnati.

“No matter what our record is, our conference record is 0-1,” Amos said. “That’s the only record that matters right now. After (today), we’ll reevaluate Sunday what our priorities are, but (today) we only have one — that is to get a ‘W.’ ”

Amos said Cincinnati is off to a hot start and should provide a challenge.

“They’re 2-0 in conference and they (have) two very good teams in Memphis and Marquette,” Amos said. “Physically, they are a very strong team, and very direct. We hope that the heat and size of our field will take its toll (today).”

An aspect the Frogs look to take advantage of is their home field. Cincinnati plays on a turf surface that, Amos said, is fast and small.

Senior midfielder Nick Browne said the grass field might play to the Frogs’ advantage, but they are not counting on it.

“We have a bit of a slow field out here, so it may play a little bit to our advantage,” Browne said. “I don’t see it as being a huge difference in the game.”

Despite its early losses, the team remains positive that a turnaround can happen.

“Sure we’ve had a bad start, but the main goal for us is to do well in conference to make the conference tournament,” Browne said. “We’re still on track for our goals as far as the season’s concerned.”

Amos said they would play it by ear when it came to College of Charleston. Junior midfielder Andrew Porteous said the game isn’t even on the team’s mind.

“We are gonna treat it as a normal game,” Porteous said, “but obviously our priority is the game on Friday.”