By Mark Rossman ’14, Sports Editor
F&M men’s club soccer finished its season on a high note after rolling over Kutztown 1-0.
After 68 minutes of scoreless play, midfielder Josh Glidden ’16 found the back of the net after a brilliantly served corner kick. Additionally the Diplomats’ defense was able to hold out from wave after wave of relentless Kutztown attack with high intensity physical play.
In the waning minutes of the second half a bicycle kick from a Kutztown striker seemed destined for the top right corner. However, it was brilliantly repelled by a diving effort from Jack McMahon’15, keeper, who battled back from what was thought to be a season-ending high-knee sprain. According to McMahon, the doctors said he would never walk again, but his love for F&M soccer allowed him to play with the team in its final game.
It was a rebuilding year for the Diplomats, led by Jake Donnenfeld ’14, president, and James Boland ’15 and Joshua Shuman ’15, co-captains. In a season marred by injury, many young players stepped up to fill in veteran shoes. Practice schedules were expanded to grueling three-hour affairs and stringent physical and dietary regiments were enforced. The team adapted its style to a Barcelona-esque freeform style.
With the Fall season in the books, the Diplomats look forward to their Spring season with optimism, having ironed out the kinks and come together under the banner of camaraderie. With the return of key veteran players from training sessions abroad, the Diplomats look to finish in the top of the table once again.
Senior Mark Rossman is the Sports Editor. His email is mrossman@fandm.edu.