Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Men's Soccer Undergoes First Preseason Training
8/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 11, 2011
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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - After reporting to campus yesterday and enjoying a team dinner, the Wake Forest men's soccer team made its return to the pitch on Thursday, August 11 with a vigorous two-hour morning training and another one-hour, 45 minute session in the evening.
Head coach Jay Vidovich, entering his 18th season at the helm of the men's soccer program, put the Demon Deacons through a host of drills during their first two-practice day of the season, primarily focusing on defense and winning the ball in one-on-one play.
"I saw a bunch of guys who were very willing to work hard," Vidovich said. "Everybody came in physically fit. They know their role and they're ambitious, I'm excited about that."
The morning session wrapped up with a spirited four-on-four scrimmage between four split squads. Junior Andy Lubahn captained the winning team, comprised of classmate Luciano Delbono, freshman Andrew Malkiewicz, junior Ben Newnam and redshirt sophomore Jake Schemper.
Conditions were cooler than usual for the morning training, which allowed for some comfort during a grueling practice.
Vidovich will next lead the team through a run of two-a-day trainings for the next five days before kicking off the preseason schedule with an exhibition match at home against Furman University on Wednesday, August 17 at 6:00 p.m.
"We've got to work on everything," Vidovich said. "The team still has to adapt to the speed of play, but it's very early. All we're doing is working on one-on-one play, but we're willing to work hard. Today showed us where we stand and how much work we have to do, which is a tremendous amount. But we've got some time."
