Following a wildly successful 2022 season, The NCC men’s soccer team started off their 2023 season strong. Head coach Vincenzo Fuschino had many great things to say about his team this year.
“Our returners are hungry for more success, and we have a talented incoming freshman class,” said Fuschino. “I’m just excited to see how far we can go this year as I think the sky’s the limit with this group!”
Creating hype with his powerhouse team, it is no surprise they have won the conference the past two years. Fuschino and his players understand that there is a lot on the table for continuing this successful win streak.
Fuschino easily answers when asked which opponents will exemplify his athletes’ hard work.
“We have a very competitive schedule and I believe that every team we will play against this season will bring a different set of challenges that our boys and coaching staff will need to address and solve,” said Fuschino.
There is no set opponent that brings him worry. His mindset is one game at a time and addressing each game critique as the season goes on.
“Our team chemistry is at an all-time high. Competition is strong, and everyone pushes each other to become a better player,” said Fuschino.
Areas for improvement
He continues to add strength to his team every practice, and his coaching mindset is that everyone has room for improvement when it comes to play.
“It’s hard to find single areas to improve after the seasons we’ve had so far. I’d say everything, from technical to tactical, from fitness to attitude and effort, from mental toughness to speed of play can always improve.”
Coach Fuschino goes on to boast about two of his more experienced players:
“Jack Fairwood, ’23, and All-American senior Aidan Westerberg, ’23, have been exemplary team captains. They lead by example on and off the field and exemplify the qualities needed from true leaders. They were picked by their peers last spring with my total approval,” said Fuschino.
This is a promising statement that the men’s soccer team is in good leadership hands outside of Coach himself.
This season’s goals
Fuschino’s main objective is to improve on defense from a season ago.
“Last year we gave up more goals than the year before, so this year’s goal is to be the best defensive team in the CCIW.”
Despite having Goalkeeper Sid Marquardt, ’24, break a program record in shutouts from a season ago, the expectations for the defensive effort to improve are there. This could be Marquardt’s final season wearing Cardinal red, so this program knows they need to make their time with him count.
The men are coming off a 5-0 victory in Naperville against Rose-Hulman this past Sunday. The group enters their match at Benedetti-Wehrli against #13 Ohio Northern University with a 5-0 record. Following their home matchup with the Polar Bears, the Cards will have two road non-conference matchups with Carleton and Lake Forest College.
The men will return to Naperville to begin conference play against Elmhurst on Saturday, Sep. 23.
