Last night marked a special moment for our Men’s Soccer team: the first official match of the new semester.

After the winter break, the Gladiators were finally back on the pitch, ready to continue the journey that had paused in December. The importance of this game was felt from the very first whistle: nerves were present, but so was focus, determination, and the desire to start strong.

Facing Link Campus University — who came into the match unbeaten and sitting at the top of the league standings — our Gladiators showed exactly what it means to compete with heart. Under the guidance and leadership of coaches Ion and Manuel, the team stayed organized, motivated, and united, managing to secure an important 2–1 victory that sets the tone for the rest of the season.

The match began with intensity on both sides, with Link Campus starting strongly and immediately showing why they were leading the table. Only a few minutes after kickoff, play was stopped due to an in-game injury involving players from both teams, who were forced to leave the field. The interruption momentarily changed the rhythm of the match, and the atmosphere shifted as attention turned to the players involved. From the entire Gladiators family, we send our best wishes for a smooth and speedy recovery.

After the stoppage, officials proposed interrupting the match for the night. In that emotional moment, our Gladiators had a choice: step away, or stand together and keep fighting. They chose unity. They chose resilience. They chose to play on not only for the result, but for their teammate.

Once play resumed, the Gladiators gradually found their rhythm, staying compact defensively and patient in possession. As the game settled, our team grew in confidence and began to manage the tempo more effectively.

The breakthrough came as the Gladiators found the opening goal through Paolo Ciavarelli, rewarding a strong and organized phase of play. Link Campus managed to respond shortly after, equalizing on one of the few offensive actions conceded by our defense. The reaction from the Gladiators was composed and focused, as the team continued to control the rhythm of the match.

The decisive moment arrived from a set piece: following a corner kick, the Gladiators regained the lead with the winning goal scored by Filippo Francia.

In the final minutes, including five minutes of added time, the Gladiators showed maturity and control, managing possession intelligently and limiting any further chances for the opposition. The final whistle confirmed a 2–1 victory, with the Gladiators in complete administration of the game until the end, handing Link Campus their first defeat of the season.
The 2–1 victory was ultimately dedicated to the injured student Casimir, as a symbol of how obstacles are best faced together.

This first win of the semester is the perfect kickoff for the second part of the season. It allows the Gladiators to continue exactly where they left off in December, with confidence, hunger, and identity. But more than the scoreline, what makes us proud is the way this team reacted under pressure, showing character, maturity, and the values that define the Gladiators program.

We are proud not just because they won, but because they represented the Gladiators spirit the way we love to see it: united, focused, resilient, and passionate.

Scores by Paolo Ciavarelli and Filippo Francia.
Photo credits: Samantha Cuervo.

Thank you, Gladiators.
Ad maiora!