LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (October 10, 2008) -- This time last year, the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team was looking at a 2-6 record en route to a 3-9 ending. Fast forward a year later and at the mid-point of this season, the team has already surpassed its season win total last year with a 5-5 record powered by a four game winning streak.
The streak began on September 14th when they defeated Gallaudet University 1-0. Twenty and some odd days passed since the Lions lost. The streak came to an end on Tuesday as they fell to Columbia Union College, 2-1. Despite the loss, the Lions play during their winning streak was nothing short of amazing.
It has not been peaches and cream for the team this year however. The start of the season saw the team struggle out of the gate losing three straight games. Junior defensemen and business major Kirk Bishop (Georgetown, Guyana/Richard Ishmeal) gives credit to first year head coach Z. Joseph Jallah and team captain and fellow defender, senior accounting major Jerrell Hooker (Cunupia, Trinidad & Tobago/Presentation College) for keeping the team morale high.
“I remember our first game we lost 12-0 and our team was falling apart,” explains the Georgetown, Guyana native. “But thanks to Hooker who kept telling us 'keep your heads up and keep smiling guys'; those little words of encouragement were just what we needed.”
Bishop is a key component of a defense that has been instrumental in the team's success. Junior communications major Alexander McNeill (Ewing, NJ/Ewing), freshman business administration major John Nixon, junior information technology major Jarek Harris (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest), and sophomore chemistry major Stephen Sangster (Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago/Kennett (PA)) round out the team's defensive repertoire. Also making key contributions this season have been senior business administration major Earvin Noel (Cocorite, Trinidad & Tobago/Herbert Lehman) and sophomore art major Rushane Scott (Allentown, PA/William Allen).
Bishop takes his role on defense to heart and that attitude has influenced the attitude of the team on defense.
“I take great pride every time I put on my uniform to represent Lincoln University,” says Bishop. “Being apart of defense, I know how hard it can be, one simple mistake and it could cost the team the game. I give a lot of credit to the other guys on defense who play with all their heart every game.”
The team camaraderie that has been invaluable on the field is one factor that can explain the team's improvements and success thus far.
“I personally think we are a better team overall this year,” said Bishop. “We are playing as a team. We have developed a relationship among ourselves off the field that helps us during our games.”
Hooker has noticed a new attitude among the team as well.
“From the team perspective, we are just trying to enjoy “football” as it is known worldwide,” as Hooker chimes on. “Everyday the team is out training, eating, and studying together. We consider ourselves as a family supporting each other.”
Coach Jallah's calming influence should not be overlooked either. The relatively young coach has made a smooth transition in his rookie year and has been able to connect with his players and grab their attention. This is a hard task for many head coaches.
“What I like about our new coach (Jallah) is that he is young and fresh out the game so he can relate to us more,” explains Bishop. “He is not just a coach, he is also our friend.”
Following the saying that defense wins games, Jallah has also stressed to his team that “everyone defends” and not just the back four players and the goal keeper. Not that the goal keeper would not be up to the challenge if he did not have “everyone”. Andre Wilkinson (St. Michael's, Barbabos/William Grady) a sophomore from St. Michaels, Barbados and William Grady High School, has garnered rave reviews from his teammates.
“Our defensive players have been one of our strong holds this season, but in the beautiful game, defense is played by the entire team,” Hooker said. “Our goal keeper has been nothing short of brilliant. His commitment, talent, and passion are second to none.”
With eight games remaining, Lincoln is looking at a .500 record at 5-5. The Lions will look at their stellar win streak but won't dwell on it. Their work is not done and a winning season is attainable. They hope to bounce back from their lost to Columbia Union College and maybe start another streak as they hit the field Saturday in a 4:00 p.m. home match-up against Concordia (NY) College.
This season could turn out to be a turning point in the Lincoln men's soccer program as five of the 16 players are seniors. The lessons that they have learned and the growth that has occurred should prepare them for the future. They understand however that success does not happen over night and it is a process.
“Last year we had players, this year we have a team,” says Bishop. “There is always room for improvement and there are things we need to work on, but taking things one step at a time, we are getting there.”
Hooker, a player who hopes to see the continued development of the program even when he is gone, adds, “This season we have seen the transformation of boys becoming players. We are continuing to strive for excellence.”
--LU--
