@CanesFutbol Captain's Corner: Oct. 1, 2015
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The captains of the University of Miami soccer team for the 2015 season are writing a blog for HurricaneSports.com this year called Captain’s Corner.
Thursday, a day before the team squares off against No. 14/4 Notre Dame at Cobb Stadium, junior midfielder/defender Gianna Dal Pozzo looks back on Miami’s last two ACC matches. Additionally, the Naperville, Ill. native discusses the team’s time with U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis and its practice sessions this week . . .
Hey there, Canes fans! We are in the heart of the season now, playing our ACC games and last Thursday we played at Louisville. We let up a goal in the first half and battled the rest of the game to get it back. We dominated the second half, but couldn’t manage to find the back of the net. Unfortunately, we fell 1-0 and we were disappointed, feeling we outplayed them.
Friday morning we had to leave the hotel at 4:30 a.m. for our flight back to Miami, so we were zombies in the airport. Saturday we had a normal practice and film in preparation for Sunday’s game.
On Sunday we played Clemson, who was ranked seventh in the country. We scored pretty early in the first half, which was a confidence booster. However, Clemson managed to score with just over a minute left in the half. We had our chances in the second half but remained 1-1, sending us into overtime. In the first overtime, neither team scored. Midway through double overtime, Clemson converted on a free kick. It was heartbreaking to be defeated so late in the game.
Jill Ellis, the U.S. Women’s National Team coach, was at the game and she talked to us after. It was so cool to be in her presence with her being such a respected individual in the soccer world. Although we were all disappointed after the loss, she had a lot of positive things to say, which was refreshing. Knowing she saw our potential and believed in us was even better. The team and coaches ran a clinic with Coach Ellis for young kids after the game, but naturally it was shortened due to weather.
Monday we had off, which our bodies needed after a two-game weekend, especially because of overtime on Sunday. Tuesday we were back at it! We played small-sided games focusing on competing and work ethic. The losing teams had to run sprints once we finished, despite already being tired. It’s days like those when I see how committed my team is to being at their best. Afterwards, we lifted and watched film from our Sunday game against Clemson.
Wednesday’s practice was divided into defense and offense. We worked separately and then came together to play each other at the end. Thursday we had a lighter, but fun practice. Then we did some stretching with our strength coach and watched film so we know what to expect from the Notre Dame.
We play Friday at home at 8 p.m.—hope you can come out to the game or tune in on ESPN3. Thanks for reading this week!
