Weathering The Storm; Enjoying The Moment
Brandon Gormley and John-Michael Cascio have seen their share of ups-and-downs as four-year members of the University of New England men's soccer team. But with the Nor'easters off to a 6-1 start this season, both seemed to be very pleased with the way their final season is taking shape.
"It's an amazing feeling knowing that we're off to such a great start," Brandon said. "We came into this season with a chip on our shoulder, determined to better ourselves. Where we will go from here, who knows, but the same hard work and dedication that has got us this far...will continue."
JM would seem to concur with Brandon's enthusiasm.
"Starting out 4-0 in the TCCC and 6-1 overall has changed not only my attitude, by the team's attitude," JM commented. "We now all realize the potential on the team and the potential Coach (Andy) Biggs has brought in."
UNE's 6-1 start is the best the program has experienced in more than 20 years. Picked to finish 11th in the TCCC preseason poll, the Nor'easters find themselves sharing the top spot with Curry College with an unblemished 4-0 mark. The Big Blue have picked up a pair of significant wins over the past two weeks - claiming its first-ever victory over Endicott College and downing Gordon College for the first time since 1997.
What has been the cause of the Nor'easters' success thus far? From Andy Biggs' point of view, experience has played a large role."
"The experience of the veteran players has been key," Biggs said. "The veterans are applying the lessons they have learned over the past several years. We are definitely a more consistent team than we have been the last few seasons."