The Virginia Peninsula Community College soccer team began its season against one of the toughest opponents on its schedule. Despite a 5-0 loss to Regent University, a Division III school in Virginia Beach, Gators coach Al Cousineau was upbeat after the match at Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg.
“I’m exceptionally pleased by their effort,” he said. “I think we have promising talent and we’ve got nothing but upside.”
Cousineau was named the coach in July, and the team has had just a few practices.
“We will play easier games … but I’d rather be tested out of the gate and see where we are,” he said.
Still, he saw a lot of positives. He cited the player of keeper Devin Hayes (Williamsburg/Walsingham Academy), defender Jose Fabila (Newport News/Menchville High School), forwards Yoseph Asenga and Dieumerci Anania (Hampton/Hampton High School), and captain Cody Cole (Williamsburg/Bruton High School).
“Cody, our captain, stepped up. Jose in the back did exceptionally well, brought us a lot of good energy,” Cousineau said. “The leadership with Merci and Josef is critical for us to get goals. When the synergy gets going with those guys, it’s going to be a good thing.”
The Gators trailed 2-0 at the half after giving up a goal about 20 minutes in and another with 6½ minutes left in the half. They had a chance to make it 2-1 early in the second half but were unable to convert on the scoring opportunity.
“That’s where the tide gets turned,” Cousineau said. “If we make that 2-1 instead of 3-0, it’s a different game.”
Shortly after that missed chance, the visiting Royals scored twice in the span of 1:20 to make it 4-0. They closed the scoring with just under six minutes left in the game.
The team’s next match is Tuesday at Wake Tech Community College in North Carolina. Their next home match is Tuesday, Sept. 9, against Wake Tech. The 6 p.m. game takes place at Kiln Creek Park in Yorktown.
“We have a chance to really do something special,” Cousineau said. “The kids, if they learn to compete at that level, we’re going to be fine the rest of the season.”
Women’s volleyball
The Gators’ season gets underway Tuesday, Aug. 26, at SafeHaven Empowerment Center against Mid-Atlantic Christian University. The 6 p.m. match kicks off a 17-match schedule, with seven home dates. After Tuesday’s opener, the Gators won’t return home until Sept. 23 against Rockingham (N.C.) Community College.
For more information on VPCC sports, go to www.vpccgators.com.