Clayton Dubin fights for the ball during a recent Orange practice.
Fitness Is Key For Orange Soccer
3/5/2010 4:17:56 PM | Men's Soccer
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Orange men's soccer team has been steadily training now for almost eight weeks in preparation for an upcoming slate of spring matches. The training sessions have been focused on the getting Syracuse ready to play head coach Ian McIntyre's up-tempo style of soccer.
The key to McIntyre's approach is extraordinary fitness. To get the Orange ready, the coaching staff has concentrated on improving the team's aerobic and anaerobic capacities both in practice sessions and in the weight room. The Orange has performed various timed runs as well as bench press, squat and other lifting tests designed to prepare the team for the rigors of a full game.
“We want our team to play an attacking, exciting brand of soccer that will require every player to be able to play on both sides of the ball for the entire 90 minutes of the game,” McIntyre said. “Without a strong fitness base it becomes difficult to excel technically and tactically as a team.”
In addition to improving the overall fitness level, McIntyre and his staff are using the spring to evaluate the current players in the program. Each training session and the upcoming spring matches are opportunities for the players to showcase their abilities heading into next season.
So far McIntyre is happy with what he sees, but he says the true test will come when the Orange takes the field against a team other than itself.
“The team is starting to create its own identity and I have been very happy with the improvements made in such a short period of time,” McIntyre said. “We are all excited to have a chance to pull on the Syracuse jersey this spring and play some competitive matches to see where we truly stand.”
The Orange's 2010 spring schedule will be finalized in the coming weeks. Until then, McIntyre and his staff will continue to build the team's identity through intense training.
“We're striving to create a culture of excellence within our program that will allow each student-athlete to succeed both on the soccer field and in the classroom,” McIntyre said. “Through hard work our players will fulfill their potential as we work towards a BIG EAST Championship and beyond.
“We are taking our first steps towards the fall season right now.”
Thursday, June 11
Thursday, June 11
Friday, November 21
Thursday, November 20
