A challenging night for our JCU Men’s Soccer team last night who took the field against Link Campus University (LCU) and Università Europea di Roma (UER) in a all-against-all friendly game.

JCU gave a very good performance and ranked 2nd overall, but it was so close to the win the 3-team challenge.

JCU opened up the challenge against LCU for the first game. The two teams played a very balanced match for the entire 30 minutes, which resulted in a final draw with no score from both teams. The game went on to penalty kicks. LCU seemed to have the victory in the bag due to one JCU failed penalty. However, a wrong penalty from the opposing team and an incredible save from JCU goalkeeper gifted our Gladiators with a well-deserved victory.

In the second game, LCU made up for the previous defeat and took over UER, 2-0.

The third game saw JCU back in action against UER. JCU dominated the first part of the match and gained a 2-0 advantage thanks to the goals realized by Leonardo and our Captain Josè. Due to some changes in JCU line-up and some injuries, the game shifted in favor of UER in the second part. The opponents were able to tie the result, ending the game with a final score of 2-2.

JCU had to face, then, another set of penalty kicks, but this time, UER prevailed over our Gladiators.

“In the first game, we played really well, and I saw significant improvements from the team. However, we took a step back in the second game. There was more agitation and less soccer,” coach Concari pointed out.

“I’m happy about this team. Last-night game clearly showed that this year, we will definitely have a very balanced Season,” JCU Athletics Coordinator Marco Iorio commented, “Besides the technical and tactical skills, all the players will have to learn more to control their emotions and increase their experience in facing better some toughest situations that only official games can teach.”

FINAL RANKING
Link Campus University 4
John Cabot University 3
Università Europea di Roma 2

Congratulations, Gladiators! Now get ready for the beginning of the Season next week!

MVP – Tommaso Cattaneo

COMING UP NEXT:
First game of the Season – JCU vs UER | Wednesday, October 23 | 9:00 pm | Trastevere Stadium