Soccer set for Bobcats

The men's soccer team hopes to extend its four game winning streak against the 2-3 Bates Bobcats during Homecoming weekend. The Bobcats, who enter the game at 0-3 in the NESCAC, are not the division's greatest threat and should become another victim for the Jumbos. Still. Tufts is cautious about its opponent and enters the game with a serious mindset.

"We definitely think that they're a team we should beat, but we have to play them well," senior tri-captain Matt MacGregor said.

Though the Jumbos are clearly the stronger team, in last year's matchup against Bates, the team quickly learned a lesson about taking weaker opponents lightly. Playing against the winless Bobcats last year, the Jumbos entered confident that they would prevail. In the end it was Bates, playing to save their season in that game that pulled off the 2-1 upset.

This year, though still sitting at the bottom of the NESCAC standings, the Bobcats enter Saturday's game coming off of a 2-0 victory against University of Maine Farmington.

Bates "was in a similar situation last year. We just weren't prepared to play them and they ended up winning," junior tri-captain Mike Blea said.

Playing on their turf this homecoming weekend, the Jumbos are hoping that history won't repeat itself. The team prepared for the Bobcats as seriously as they do for any opponent, and the men are excited to show off their talent.

"We get really pumped up for Saturday games in general and especially for homecoming. There are so many people there, it's a lot of fun," MacGregor said.

Ranked as New England's number one Div. III team and 26th in the nation amongst NCAA Div. III teams, the Jumbos young season so far has been a story of successes. The Jumbos also hold first place in the NESCAC standings with quite a lead on second place Trinity (2-1-1 overall).

While the upperclassmen core from last season has remained largely intact to lead the team, the Jumbos have also been strengthened by the insurgence of a strong freshmen class. Most notable of the team's newcomers are freshmen Mike Guilgi and Todd Gilbert.

Both freshmen have had an instantaneous impact on their team as Gilbert scored the team's game winning goal in last Saturday's match-up against Conn. College. Guilgi has also played an integral role, controlling the midfield at his position.

"Guilgi is one of our most dynamic players," Blea said.

Also helping out in controlling the midfield is senior Garret Dale, who won the honors of NESCAC Player of the Week after scoring five points in the Jumbos last two games.

Together, the players have taken the Jumbos to its first 4-0 start since 1999. Even with this record, the men do not feel that they have been playing their strongest soccer yet this season.

"We've actually been disappointed with some of our performances," Blea said. "But we've been working with each other and finding ways to win."

And as coach Ralph Ferringo always states, "A win is a win."

If all goes as planned, the Jumbos should be able to add another W to their win column this Saturday against Bates. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Kraft field