Men's Soccer Press Conference Quotes
11/19/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 19, 2002
Wake Forest men's soccer coach Jay Vidovich and junior first team All-ACC selection Jeremiah White met with the media on Tuesday afternoon after being named as the NCAA Tournament's top seed.
The Deacons (14-1-4) have a first round bye and will play the Richmond-Old Dominion winner next Wednesday November 27 evening at 6:00 p.m. at Spry Stadium on the Wake Forest campus.
Head Coach Jay Vidovich
On having 12 days between games: "It's something we're a little concerned about. It's almost too much time, but still we're excited about having a bye in the first round and accomplishing that. We're giving the guys off until tomorrow (Wednesday). We'll start going at it tomorrow and hopefully in a week's time we'll be prepared for our first NCAA match."
On having a first round bye: "Well, for once we're in the situation where maybe it isn't to our advantage. We went out to early in the ACC Tournament and we don't have any injuries so it's not as big of an advantage as it has been in the past. I think the guys are hungry and ready to play. Yes, it is an advantage because we get to see two teams play, but we've also played Richmond and ODU before, so we have a feel for what we're up against."
On the effects of last week's loss in the ACC Tournament: "Well, I don't think the team ever thought they were invincible, and everyone always tells me it's good to get a loss and that it can help us out. It for sure showed us a couple of things we need to work on, and some of our deficiencies. And now maybe the guys' mindset will be a bit different, and be more about winning the game, than losing the game."
On having home field advantage: "We love Spry Stadium. We're undefeated there this year and we only lost one or two games there last year. The fans and the university are very supportive and we're excited to be at home."
On Richmond and Old Dominion: "They are both quality teams. We played at both sites this year, at ODU and at Richmond. We had a very good first half against ODU and fell back in the second half, but we bounced back in the last five minutes. Same thing with Richmond. We're prepared for a war with both teams. They both are very strong defensively and are very organized programs, so it's kind of either or.
Junior forward Jeremiah White
On the team heading into the NCAA Tournament: "We're focused. We had a tough loss the other weekend and it was a wake up call to the guys. We're happy to be the #1 team in the country."
On the effects of losing in last week's ACC Tournament: "It refocused the team and is going to help us prepare this week."
On having a first round bye: "I think it's good to get some of the guys rested and to reorganize our game plan and focus on what we have to do."
On home field advantage: "It's very big. Our crowd support helps us out a lot when we play at home."
On Old Dominion and Richmond: "Like coach said, they are both good teams. I played against ODU a little bit, but I didn't get a chance to play against UR (due to injury). They're both good teams, though. We're working on our game and we'll be ready when the time comes."
On playing in the NCAA Tournament. "We're very excited. We have an opportunity to do something special."
On the team's ultimate goals: "To win (a national championship), to make the final four. We're not going to come with anything else in mind. I think this team has a chance to win the national championship."
On his role on the team: "I just try to incorporate my game into the team's plan. I try to score when we need it and just play my role, help create and push people through to score."
On goalkeeper William Hesmer: "I personally think he's the best goalie in he ACC. He's come up big time with some saves."