Catching Up

Thanks to one of my loyal followers, I was informed that i hadn't updated the blog in about nine days now.  I can't believe it's been that long, but I'm definitely staying busy.  

On a soccer note, since Greensboro we beat Shenandoah last Wednesday and tied Washington and Lee on Saturday.  I got the start for both games so I'm pleased about that.  Also very exciting I scored my first official regular season goal in my collegiate career against Shenandoah.  They were pretty terrible but I had a good game nonetheless.  I got the first assist to Hunter on a nice thru ball and then I had the second goal off of a cross from Earl where I took a touch and then just hit it far post.  Shenandoah somehow tied up the game 2-2, off of two of the luckiest strikes I've seen but we fought back in the second half winning 5-2, scoring two more goals off of two of my corner kicks.  I was very pleased with the win, although coach was not happy that we gave up two goals.  Then against Washington and Lee we played a very tough match.  They scored first, and were very cocky talking a lot of trash but we eventually tied it up in the second half while they dropped back and played very defensively, we kept attacking.  We dominated the play but even through double overtime we couldn't put any goals in and ended the game on a 1-1 tie.  I was exhausted after probably playing about 100 of the 110 minutes in the game.  It was also great to have Michael, Mom, and Dad at the game for support and I'm glad they could make the trip up to W&L.

Now we play Mary Washington tomorrow (Wednesday) at home at 4pm looking to get some revenge after they beat us 3-0 last year.  It's going to be a very hot day, but I think we should be able the get the W.  Then this week will lead up to our game against #1 Messiah on Saturday at home at 1pm.  It's a big week for the team.

My knees have still be really sore and the trainer confirmed that it is quadricep tendonitis.  I've used the stim machine and been heating and icing before and after practice.  I've even been riding the bike and doing light leg extensions, but not much relief.  I guess I'm just going to have to play through it. 

Classes have been going well.  I haven't been swamped with work yet, which is nice, and I'm enjoying most of them.  Economics is definitely a change of pace, discussing some national politics and current events instead of just numbers and equations from my physics and statistics classes.  

And then I can't write the blog without mentioning the Eagles after this week!  I don't think anyone was expecting an Eagles victory against the Redskins on Monday night, but it was great rubbing the victory in to all of the Redskins fans here at school who thought it wouldn't even be a game.  I'm very excited to see what they can do this year if under Chip Kelly especially if Vick can stay healthy.  

Now I'm relaxing tonight watching USA take on Mexico in the World Cup Qualifying match and doing some homework.  I'm also working on reading "Red Dragon" by Thomas Harris.  I've started reading books in my free time and right before bed, and this is my third book so far this semester.  I like it a lot better than just wasting time on my phone or computer before bed.  Anyway it's a very interesting book so far and I would recommend it to anyone for a quality read.  

That's about it for now.  Two big games ahead this week and we gotta TCB!

-TZ  

Dickinson and Greensboro

I have been dreading writing this blog.  I haven't been this disappointed about a game in a long time.  We left around 2 for Dickinson to play our season opener on Friday night.  Since the spring, we have been looking forward to getting revenge and beating Dickinson since they're last year overtime goal on us which skeptically kept us out of an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.  So six months in the waiting, and it's game day.  We arrive to a beautiful, brand new field at Dickinson and we are set to play under the lights.  I couldn't think of a better soccer atmosphere.  I was pumped to play and get the start at right mid.  Early on we got a few chances and it was a very equal game, but we couldn't capitalize.  That set the tone for the rest of the game.  They scored two goals on their first two shots and we were set back immediately.

That is where I stopped writing on Saturday because I didn't want to write any more about that game.  We ended up losing 5-3 where they scored three goals on set pieces and we were just unlucky with some bad referring calls.  Overall it was a very disappointing loss and I was pretty upset about it.

But now it's Sunday afternoon and I am feeling much better!  Fresh off our first win of the season against Greensboro College at home, and it feels much better with a win.  We won the game 2-0 in a game that we definitely deserved to win.  I unfortunately didn't get the start today, but I could understand due to Sykes' solid play on Friday night and a goal for him, but I played about half of each half coming off the bench while the starters just played the first half of each half.  We scored early on in the first half and held on to a 1-0 lead for the rest of the half and most of the second.  Then with about 20 minutes or so, we had a great series of passing through the midfield, Hunter found my feet on the outside left side, and I hit a cross right to our forward Larson for the assist of the second and final goal of the match.  We held on to the lead and were happy with our first win of the year.  I played solid, and very pleased to get the assist as well.  Hoping to regain that starting spot for Wednesday's game against Shenandoah.

But for now we have Monday off from school and practice for Labor Day and it will be a great day to rest up.  My body is very sore from some bruises and hits, but that's what to expect after playing two games in three days.  I was also very happy to see my roommates and friends come out to support.  Also great to have Dad and Nelson make the day trip up for the game.  It's tough finding time to visit especially when they take day trips up, but I always appreciate having the family make efforts to come and watch (and bring me some extra treats, Kit-Kats and Cheerios etc. for the dorm room).

So I hope everyone has a nice Labor Day weekend and a day to rest up! I know I sure need it!

-TZ

Preseason is Officially Over

Even though it only lasts a week, preseason always stretches on and on feeling like a month.  On Friday we had a scrimmage against Randolph College.  They were a Sweet 16 team about two years ago, so we knew they would be better competition than Chestnut and more like our regular season games.  I got called for the start again and played the first half against their first team.  We won the half 1-0 which was much more competitive, so we were pleased with the advntage.  I had no personal stats but still played decent.  Our second team played their second team for the second half and at the end of the match we won 2-1.  It was a solid scrimmage, and we were happy to get the win.  Even though it technically doesn't mean anything, preseason scrimmages are good to win, just to start on the right foot and see where we will sit for the season.  

Then on Saturday our preseason wrapped up with the Alumni game.  These games are always much less intense and usually a lot of fun.  Our first team started and even with the alums playing a man up, we went up 2-0 in the first two minutes.  Coach was pleased that we scored quickly and efficiently and we were done for the game.  It was good to get some of the other guys some time on the field, although they honestly didn't play all that well.  It seems like they are still trying to adjust to the college game which can take a while.  Then after the game, we feasted on a great tailgate put together by the alumni and parents.  The tailgates are some of the best food we get all year especially since the cafeteria is subpar, but no need to complain.  

Then Sunday was our first day off, but I went for a light run and got a good lift in with Josh Barrett.  I think it's good to stay loose and lift occasionally during the season just to maintain some strength.  Today we have practice in the evening which will be leading up to our first regular season game on Friday against Dickinson.  We have been looking forward to this matchup since last spring, and we are looking to go out and dominate them.  I'm very excited for the game and glad MammaZimm and Nelson will be able to make it for the game.  

Today was also the first day of classes.  So far, so good.  I have two professors that I have already had, which is always a good thing, and all of them seem to be good teachers.  One of my tougher classes will be Math 309 which is probability and statistics in engineering.  I haven't taken a statistics class before so that material may be somewhat tough not seeing it before.  We shall see.  I'm ready to get into my routine and the first week is just always a little hectic.  So now Sophomore year has officially begun classes and all!  

-TZ

First Scrimmage

Wednesday we had our first preseason scrimmage against Chestnut Hill College.  The final team consisting of 32 people hopped on the bus to head to Philly to play them.  I honestly think the team is a little bit too big and sometimes question some of coach's tactics including one of the sophomores he cut, but it's his team and it's not my place to interfere.  Anyway we got to the field and I got my ankle taped and was called to start at right mid.  My ankle is getting better but it is still sore and I'm just trying to strengthen it while still taping it.  The beginning of the game was fairly close.  We were able to knock the ball around and got some decent chances while they, being D2 and overall a bigger (size-wise) team, played a very direct game and almost had a few chances targeting their 6'6" forward.  Then about hallway through the half, our forward pressed and won the ball.  I quickly followed in the box, he played it across to me, I somewhat wiffed the shot, and it went right to our left mid who put it in the back of the goal.  It was an accidental assist by me, but hey, I'll take it!  A goal's a goal, and an assist is an assist.  Then with less than three minutes left in the half we got a throw in and it bounced around the box for a while, came to my feet, I took a touch and poked it in the back of the net.  It was an important goal that set our lead strong for the half and kept the momentum with us for the rest of the game.  I was subbed at half and watched the rest of the game from the side.  Overall I was very pleased with my performance.  An assist and goal for our first two goals of the game.  Coach has started to give me much more freedom with my runs from the outside mid position and I am cutting across the field a lot more which has given me and the team a lot more chances.  It reminds me of my junior year at Gibbons being able to basically make whatever runs I want and get open in places that the defense isn't expecting.

At the end of the game we won 5-0.  It was a convincing win even though it was just a scrimmage, but it helps the team gain confidence.  It was also very nice to catch up with Jason Woloski at the game.  On the way to the game, I remembered he was working in Philly so I texted him where we were playing and he got to make it to the game and catch up afterwards.  I always enjoy having family and friends at the game and it was great he could make it even while being very busy at Med school.

Now we are now expecting some better competition today when we face off against Randolph-Macon at 4pm.  They have two Gibbons alum Kyle Unruh and Will Wolfe.  It should be a good match, but I personally think we should be able to outplay them.  We shall see.  Then tomorrow we have our annual alumni game followed by our first day off on Sunday!  This past week has seemed like a month (preseason always stretches on), so it will be nice to have a day to rest.  Still grinding for two more scrimmages and we need wins!

-TZ

Preseason Grind

Today is the third official day of preseason.  As always, it's a tough grind but necessary and worth it.  We started Saturday morning at 6:15 am with the timed mile.  As the first official practice, many were nervous and excited to get this season going.  We all lined up on the track and had to run a mile faster than 5:20.  Personally I think this is an extremely fast pace for the whole team, but coach has high fitness standards for us.  Since last year's preseason, it's been my goal to get less than 5:00 on the mile and "Champions Club Level" where I missed it by one second last year.  Anyway, I went out flying on the mile and paced my group out.  I hit the first lap at 1:07, which would be a 4:28 pace, but just tried to hold on to that pace for a brutal three more laps and finished the mile at 4:57.  I felt extremely accomplished after completing that mile since it's been one of my goals for over a year now.  One senior ended up passing me just on the last lap for a 4:55 mile time, but I came in second overall and only one of three to get under five minutes.  We continued after that with a regular practice.  Everyone came out flying and motivated and it was a solid practice.  Later that day we had another session, and those two-a-days are just grueling, but due to my training and fitness, I played well, and the coaches are pleased with my play.

Then on Sunday we woke up bright and early again to hit the turf to run our second fitness test, the Beep Test.  This is a series of 22 yard runs back and forth having to beat a programmed "beep" which increases in speed with different levels.  Level 14 is the "Champions Club Level" and around level 9 I started to get tired, but at that point, it's mostly mental and eventually there were only three of us left at level 14, and the other two quit at 14-1, while I pushed it for the last sprint to win the fitness test at a level of 14-2.  According to these tests, I am the most fit member of the squad and I am very proud of that.  Shows that my hard work pays off. No one else is in the running for the Champions Club except me now, and I hope to "come into Paris with the yellow jersey." Anyway we followed that with another practice, a break and then another session in the afternoon with mass at 6pm.  Unfortunately in the afternoon session we played full field and I tried to cut on the baseline, and rolled my ankle pretty bad.  The trainer said it is a minor sprain which is disappointing but not as bad as it could've been considering I've rolled that ankle a couple of times now.  I iced/Advil alot and chose to sit out today's (Monday) first session.  I would rather rest now and make it better than hurt it a lot worse and impact the rest of my season.  I am going to try and give it a run tonight's session but we'll see how it holds up.

So that's about it.  The coaches have seen that I am fit, and I feel pretty confident with my starting role at left mid.  As long as this ankle heals relatively fast, I am looking at starting on Wednesday for our first scrimmage against Chestnut Hill College.  Besides, soccer I haven't been up to much.  I basically eat, sleep, and play soccer.  I've been filling my time with some light reading and movies with the boys.  I am really enjoying my own room this year in our new dorm and am looking forward to the rest of my roommates moving in on Saturday.

So that's about it for now.  Hopefully this ankle can sort itself out!

-TZ

Here we are again, Round 2

Obviously I haven't been keeping up with my blog all that much.  During the summer I rarely find the time to blog and instead spend my free time relaxing etc.  But now I am officially moved into my new dorm and ready for my sophomore year at Catholic University.  On July 31, I was all packed up and headed to DC.  We met as a team to train for three days on campus to prepare for our overseas trip.  Upon arrival, we were all surprised to find Chelsea's first team using our facilities as a training ground.  For those that don't know, Chelsea is considered one of the top professional teams in the world and have multimillion dollar players. Here is a link to their website if interested. http://www.chelseafc.com I got to meet Frank Lampard, basically a living legend and took a picture with him.  One of the cooler moments as a soccer fan.

Then our team departed on August 2, heading to Barcelona, Spain. Overall it was one of the most fun trips I have taken.  Being able to play soccer with my buddies against foreign opponents and then getting to sightsee and experience the city with my friends was a once in a lifetime experience.  Here is the link to the blog that the team completed while over there (just way to much to recap by myself) http://catholicusoccer.blogspot.com If the link doesn't work, try it on your smart phone. Here are a few pics of my own:

Anyway we returned last Sunday the 11th and moved into my new dorm.  I have my own room but sharing a suite with four more of my buddies.  It should be a good setup.  We have been having captains practices and been preparing for our official preseason to start up on Saturday.  We will have two-a-days and run a lot. I am conservatively confident about the fitness tests, and overall very excited about the upcoming season.

I will try and update this blog as much as possible during the semester and season so stay tuned!  More to come!

For now,

TZ

End of the Spring Season

Last Wednesday evening I hurt my foot at practice.  I went into a tackle and kicked Luke's knee with the outside of my foot and it did not feel good.  The pain felt like a sprained ankle but it was all in the foot.  I went to the trainer and they said it was either a fractured toe bone or a bone-bruise.  It didn't swell up too bad, but it was definitely hard to walk on.  It was pretty bad timing since our one play-day for the spring season was on Saturday.  I iced and rehabbed as much as possible and was getting optimistic by Friday.  I was able to run and cut without too much pain, but didn't play in practice.

Then Saturday was a big day for the team.  We played American University and JMU right down the road at AU.  Both are Division I teams so we knew it would be difficult to play up to their level especially since they have much more time available to play and train in the spring.  Anyway, my foot was feeling better, not 100% but I decided to play and it felt okay.  I played the second half of both games (two 30 minute halves for each game) and we ended up tying AU 0-0 and lost to JMU 2-0.  They scored both in the second half which was the 120th straight minute for some of us, and we were low on subs due to injuries.  Anyway we were all pretty pleased with our performance so it was a good day of play.

Now we have one week left of the season.  One more practice on Wednesday and then the alumni game on Friday.  It's been fun to play, but I think I am ready for the spring season to wrap up; it's grueling to keep on practicing with high intensity for five weeks or so with only one day of games to look forward to.  I am also ready to get back to more lifting and some biking to train for the duathalon in May.  I'm pretty excited for that to say the least.

It's finally started getting warm out as well.  All of the cherry blossoms are blooming here and spring time has been very pretty in the city.  Here's a pic of the Jefferson Memorial from the city:

Overall school has been going well also.  I have A's in all my classes so far except Philosophy which is hovering around an A-.  I know I struggle in that subject, but I am really hoping I could pull something out on the final for an A.  I don't know if it's possible, but I'll be shooting for it.  I could also be excused from my Math final as well which would be really nice and help with my workload for finals week.

It's also starting to hit me that my first year is almost already over.  We only have about three or four weeks left here.  It's kind of sad to be honest.  This has been a great year for me, and I have really enjoyed myself here at Catholic.  I will be enjoying these last few weeks, living in the moment, but also looking forward to the summer to come.

Take care,

-TZ