Both Calvin’s soccer teams have claimed numerous wins before conference play begins, in part due to team chemistry and team bonding on and off the pitch.
The women’s team has yet to lose a game this season, winning five of their first seven matches and tying Stevens Institute of Technology and Illinois Institute of Technology to bring them to a 5-0-2 record. “Non-conference play, we’ve been playing a lot of good teams, so that has been preparing us well,” junior defender Carly Curry told Chimes.
Mia Judd, a sophomore, scored three goals in the team’s last two games, which helped lead the team to a 2-0 week. She was named MIAA offensive player of the week. “All the success comes from my teammates; it just happened to be me scoring the goals.” Judd said.
Curry believes that the winning streak can in part be credited to the number of bench players who can play at a high level. “We have so much depth on our team. That’s been helping us a lot this season, the bench being able to give good minutes on the field,” Curry said.
Most players come from starting on their high school and club teams, and according to senior Maggie Smith, “it’s hard coming in and not being a starter.” Smith said younger players should “remember you’re good enough to be on this team. You’re on this team for a reason.”
Off the field activities have been vital to helping the team grow and feel more connected to one another, according to Smith.“We always hang out all the time, we’re always together,” she told Chimes, “having fun together on and off the field.”
The men’s team also started off strong, winning their first six games before losing the last two, falling to a record of 6-2. The team plays two more out of conference games before conference play begins, including an out of conference game against defending national champions University of Chicago.
The six game winning streak almost never happened, but the Knights, down 2-1 against St. Norbert in their first game of the season, mounted a second half comeback to win 4-2. Fifth-year goalkeeper Danile Wunder attributes this to the team’s resilience. “Our first game of the season is a great example of that: our resiliency to bounce back and fight for each other. I think it’s one of the biggest things that sets us apart,” Wunder said. Wunder isn’t worried about the team’s losing streak.
“Even though we’ve lost the last two games, which no one likes, we’re still very close. And we’re moving in the direction that will keep us strong and tight-knit together,” Wunder told Chimes.
Having a close team is important for morale and a winning culture, Wunder told Chimes.“One of the reasons I came back for my fifth year is because of the guys. It’s different from teams I’ve been on –– the very strong family aspect.” Wunder said.
The women’s team begins conference play Sept. 26 at home against Olivet, while the men’s team heads down to Chicago Sept. 27 to take on defending champions University of Chicago for their last out of conference game.
