6th September 2011
2011-2012 Season Preview
By Chris de Laiglesia Having failed to get through to nationals the previous year, the Hopkins Club Soccer Team were eager to get the new season started. With a team virtually unchanged from last year, it was important to build on the chemistry of the changing room, as well as increase the depth of the team. The stakes were as high as ever for the highly rated Blue Jays, as another trophy-less season was not an option. Hopefully the fans and owners will see the results and accolades that they've ardently been waiting for.
New Captains
Daniel Mandel, having gotten the European experience from the rural leagues of Switzerland, came back to be appointed as the leader for the 2011 team. Having bulked up, mentally, Mandel is expected to bring the flair in the midfield with vice-captain Lorenz Seebacher, the Austrian with the labradoodle hair. Seebacher, now with his increased read of the game and quicker feet, will surely be invaluable on the left wing.
Former Player Appointed as Manager
To increase their chances of making it to national glory, the Hopkins team decided to sign region 1 Balon d'Or winner Chris de Laiglesia to the backroom staff. Having played four seasons for the Club Team (2006-2010), he is aware of the pressure on the players and the team, and will be looking to put his experience from his Asian soccer excursion to full use.
As exciting as ever, the Hopkins team will be looking to dominate the Region 1 division and get the elusive nationals cup to prove that joga bonito can win championships.