Off the Field with Anik Huffman and Lindsay Curtin.

Oct. 6, 2004

Anik and the Hurricanes suffer a setback with a couple of injuries with top-ranked North Carolina on the horizon.

Sunday, October 3

This morning we went to Deli Lane for pre-game breakfast. We usually always go there on Sundays if we have a day game because everyone really likes it. The game was at 2 p.m. today instead of 1 p.m. because volleyball also had a game against Duke.

We had really prepared for the game today in the practices leading up to it; what formation they would be playing and how we would counter them. I thought we did an excellent job coming out hard, and for a change we were the first to score the goal. Not that we don’t have the character to come back when we’re down, but it is always a plus to have the momentum in your favor first.

Kelly Pflugner played center forward today for us and did a great job. She scored her first goal of the season and her first goal as a Miami Hurricane since transferring from Texas last spring. We were all really excited for her!! Duke scored later in the half and we went to the locker room at halftime with the game tied at 1-1.

I know you’re hoping for a good ending on this one hoping we finally caught a break, but unfortunately this game does not have the ending we were all looking for. We came out hard in the second half, as did Duke, but we didn’t capitalize on our chances.

Duke scored a goal and there was some discrepancy between the refs before the goal was finally validated but a goal it was said the refs. From there we decided to gamble a little and pull some people out of the defense to give more support to the attack.

We knew we needed to take the chance in order to tie the game. With the risk came the possibility that Duke could further their lead since our defense was weakened. That they did, and the game ended 4-1.

It’s just hard because sometimes the final score doesn’t tell the real story of the game but it was a well-fought game on both sides. We had a lot of parent support at the game as we have had all season. Thanks to all the parents, we really appreciate all of you guys!! It is amazing to go on road trips and hear them cheering us on!! We love having you guys, thanks so much.

Tuesday, October 5

We also experienced some sad news this week as a team. In the Wednesday game against Clemson Jessica Gillman first had a bloody nose and went back in and played – that’ a girl,way to be tough – but later on in the game she dislocated her kneecap.

What a trooper she was as she hobbled her way to the bus after the game on her crutches. We learned when we got home that she had actually torn her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Ashley Durkee and I went to see her last night because she had her surgery yesterday. She looked tired but was friendly as could be – we love you Jess!!

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Cynthia Dongo also suffered a severe injury this week in our game against Duke. She started the game and was playing absolutely amazing when she went into a tackle and came out with an injury similar to Jess’s. She has a torn ACL and MCL. Don’t worry though Dongo, you will come back as strong as ever!!

To both of you guys: we will all be there every step of the way in your recovery. Know your presence will be missed on the field but you are still every bit a part of this team and your influence is needed in the remainder of the season in order for us to be successful. Get well as soon as you can, but know that we will be cheering you on every step of the way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you this week as you get your surgeries.

We all got things organized today with our professors about missing school Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as we will be heading out tomorrow for UNC and Wake Forest. This season has been a challenge to keep in good standing with all of our teachers as it is hard for them to understand how we can miss so much school. For the most part I know it must be hard for them, but I can say from my experience that they have been very accommodating and we all appreciate them.

So Thursday, UNC, huh? Wow, well we have a challenge ahead of us, yes sir!! But we are ready for it, we have nothing to lose!! Why play if you don’t want to play the best? They are highly regarded as the best team in the nation and we are aware of their talent and record. We also know this is a game everyone will be watching and if we are able to perform well, nothing more could solidify our name and ability to be in the ACC.

So I think we are all ready to use this game as well as the Wake Forest game to fully immerse ourselves and the Miami women’s soccer program into the ACC.

Well, I have to go pack for tomorrow so goodnight from Miami!!

– Anik

Lindsay prepares to battle with one of the nation’s most storied programs.

Tuesday, October 5

We had a tough day Sunday. After eating our traditional team breakfast I went back to my room for a short nap and watched one of my pre-game movies. After the usual hanging out and getting ready in the locker room and inspiring pre-game talk from the coaches we were ready to face No. 16 in the country, Duke.

We came out hard and put Duke on their heals. After some quality opportunities, Kelly Pflugner was able to capitalize off of a breakaway to score the first goal of the game. We were pumped.

We kept playing hard and fighting for every ball but unfortunately at the end of the game, the Blue Devils were able to score four unanswered goals leaving us with another tough lost. It is really hard when you feel like the team is playing well but you can not come out with the results.

From our record people may not see how close our games are and how well we are playing but as I said before we are continuing to improve and I really think we have a good chance of winning our upcoming games.

After Duke, we had a fun practice Monday with lots of shooting. Today we did not have practice, but a few of us went out and played pick up with some of the boys that practice with us. It was really fun. I love small sided pick up because it is all about trying new things and having fun. There is no pressure and it’s helpful to get touches on the ball while having a good time. It was a good rest after the Duke game and before our game against UNC on Thursday.

We leave tomorrow for North Carolina where we will face UNC and then Wake Forest on Sunday. Luckily we do not leave until after all my classes are done on Wednesday, because I can not afford to be missing any more class. Fortunately, even with missing class, I have been able to keep up in all my classes and have not felt too overwhelmed.

I am excited about tomorrow because I know this trip will be so fun. We are going to be hanging out with the team for four days straight and our team is so fun. When we are on the field we get things done but off the field we are just loose and fun loving.

Although it may sound a little childish I am very excited to play UNC. I mean, as a little kid, I grew up idolizing those players. I had the UNC women’s soccer sweat-shirts, t-shirts and hats. Now I am getting to play those same players I grew up admiring. I am going to be on the same field as them.

I don’t care how many championships they have won or how many national team players they have, when we get out on the field we will all be on equal footing. All the pressure is on them and I think that we can go out and show them what UM soccer is made of. We will show them our heart, skill and our determination.

I am sick of working so hard, running like crazy and not having anything to show for it. Yeah, we played well, whatever…we need to get some results, and THAT is what we are going to do. I don’t care if we are playing the No. 1 team in the nation or 200th, our opponent better be ready to face a tough Miami team because we are not backing down and we are going to win.

So wish us luck and cheer us on! LET’S GO CANES!

– Lindsay