@CanesFutbol Captain's Corner: Oct. 26, 2016
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – For the second year in a row, the captains of the University of Miami soccer team will be writing a blog for HurricaneSports.com throughout the season called Captain’s Corner.
Wednesday, a day before the team’s final regular season match of 2016, Shannon McCarthy touched base with the newest entry. The redshirt senior defender provides an in-depth look at the Hurricanes’ two major victories last week . . .
Hey there, Canes fans! Thank you for reading another entry in the Captain’s Corner blog. I want to take a moment to personally thank the fans who came out to support the team this past weekend; we greatly appreciate it!
Good news everyone… WE’RE GOING TO THE ACC TOURNAMENT! Two big wins this past weekend solidified our position as the at least seventh seed in the eight-team conference tournament. We have deeply committed ourselves to making it to the postseason and the feeling to finally make that goal a reality is nothing short of tremendous. Words cannot describe how incredibly proud I am of the team for all the work they’ve done to achieve our goal. The coaching staff has invested so much into our program and they deserve a postseason more than anyone.
The first team standing in our way to our post season clinch was Louisville on Thursday night. After going up a goal early in the first half, we maintained our 1-0 lead going into halftime. Scoring the next goal was critical. A third goal would put the nail in the coffin. With that mentality, we scored two more goals in the second half to give Louisville their biggest losing deficit of the season, 3-0. Ronnie [Johnson] was unstoppable, scoring all three of our team’s goals for her first-career hat trick. With another season left, I think Ronnie will do it again in the future.
Sunday’s opponent was Virginia Tech. A win over Tech gave us the automatic berth into the ACC tournament. We were in control. All the pressure fell on our shoulders. Tech was playing to stay alive. This game was essentially “do or die” for both teams. We knew we were in for a grudge match. Although Tech scored first, we never gave up. A late goal in the second half forced overtime. We got stronger and stronger as the minutes added up despite the blazing afternoon heat. A goal in double overtime not only won us the game, it gave us a postseason berth.
Sunday was even more special for Emily [Auld], Gianna [Dal Pozzo], Gracie [Lachowecki] and I because it was our senior game. The team decorated the locker room, our lockers, gave us gifts, made a hysterical video imitating us and truly made the day one I will forever cherish. My mom and dad escorted mw onto the field with tears running down their cheeks. I love them both dearly. The words of affirmation from the coaches were encouraging, motivating and emotional all at the same time. I can’t thank everyone enough for making the day so special for us.
One thing is certain to me: God loves writing dramas. The tricky part is, it’s on His timing- not your own. He’ll close doors (it may feel like He’s slamming them in your face), but he’ll also open doors that you cannot close. The door on my sophomore year was closed and, in fact, that one was slammed on my face. I quieted myself to observe and listen to Him after that and He opened the door to this season. This fifth year has been bearing abundant blessings and is one that I am beyond grateful for. I could go on and on about how great my coaches and teammates are, I sincerely love them all.
Thank you for tuning in! Check in next time to read Gianna’s post!
