Recap

MEN’S 5vs5 SOCCER
We somewhat felt since the tryouts that this could be an important year for our Men’s 5-vs-5 soccer team. And last-night was definitely the proof!

An excellent performance from JCU led the team to win over The American University of Rome (AUR), 4-2. AUR, which is also last-Season winner of the Championship, couldn’t stop the fury of our Gladiators who are now setting the bar really high for all the other teams, as well.

The first minutes of the game saw AUR immediately gain the upper hand, but our Gladiators reacted right after the first opponent’s score and started to play seriously, overturning the result of the match.

“Tonight’s performance was great both technically and tactically. I also saw good teamwork. We proved to be a very cohesive team, and we helped each other out in the toughest situations,” coach Manuel Franceschi affirmed.

When you face a valid rival such AUR, teamwork is what makes the difference, and you proved it! And teamwork is also what will make you go far in the competition! Congratulations, Gladiators!

In this circumstance, we want to report here the words that our forward Andrea Palazzi said at the end of the game:

“Guys I just wanted to thank everyone of us for being such good mates and good players. Today we totally rocked it guys and I am proud of the way we have played. Now I think we must persist in being humble and in following the lead of the coach. Fernando today was great, a martian, […] though every one of us has been awesome too, from Stefano, who stopped the tall striker so many times, to the goal keepers who looked like spiderman, the killer- Ricky, and to every one of us who has been sweating through the shirts of our gladiators. C’mon fellows!!

You really made us proud, Gladiators! Now you need to keep working hard to improve even more. As coach Manuel pointed out, “This first game was really important for us to understand all the aspects that we need to improve. All the players are aware of their mistakes both individually and as a team. And I’m sure that improvements will come easier as we go along because they are very committed and willing to learn.”

This is the mentality we want from you, Gladiators! Now you only have one week left to prepare at your best to rock out and show what you are capable of at the 4th World interUniversities Championships in Barcelona.

MVP – Fernando Royuela, midfielder and author of 4 goals