UNC Greensboro Athletics: Chemisty, Culture And A Championship-Mindset As UNCG Opens Practice

Greensboro NC

11 August, 2021

2:54 PM

Description

Press release from UNC Greensboro Athletics: 8/10/2021 4:34:00 PM Story Links GREENSBORO, N.C. – Chemistry and culture were the buzzwords for third-year head coach Chris Rich as his UNC Greensboro men's soccer team gathered for its first practice of the 2021 campaign. While expectations are high, what with the Spartans entering the year off of its first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade, Rich knows there's plenty of work ahead if UNCG is going to enjoy another strong season on the pitch. "Our staff walked away from the training session impressed," Rich said. "We have a really good combination of returning players and new players, so we feel really good about it. The first session is always interesting because there's a lot of high adrenaline. Guys are always up for it and they try to get after. I felt we settled in fine and had a very good session." The fitness test was a smooth experience for the players. The first week for the Spartans is about setting what the standard is going to be for the program on and off the field. UNCG will also continue building on each training session to be ready for their highly-anticipated home regular-season opener against Campbell on Thursday, August 26 at 7 p.m. UNCG will also enter the season with a giant bullseye as the reigning Southern Conference Tournament champions. The Spartans are also starting the season with some unfinished business and the taste of two-week old collard greens in their mouths after dropping a heartbreaking 3-2 decision to Omaha in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past spring. The journey begins with a pair of exhibition matches against Old Dominion at home on Saturday, August 14 and on the road at Elon on Friday, August 20. Both matches start at 7 p.m. "There's multiple things to work on like building our culture and setting our expectations within the group off the field," Rich said. "We'll start sprinkling in some things tactically of what we want our identity to be and how we want to play in possession and how we want to play out of possession. Hopefully as a staff learn as much as we can about the players." UNCG returns several players including All-SoCon selections Niclas Wild, Theo Collomb, Fernando Garcia, and Emmanuel Hagan. Overall, numerous key contributors return for the Spartans this season. "I am excited to be back," senior Micah Albert said. "I am blessed to be able to put my cleats on and play again with the guys and see what we can accomplish this season. First practice was quality with the guys. There's a lot of energy and excitement. Big things are coming." The Spartans were 9-3-2 during the spring campaign. In addition, the Spartans received votes in the final United Soccer Coaches poll of the 2020 season, which was contested during the spring of 2021. UNCG was ranked 30th in the College Soccer News final poll. The .714 winning percentage was the best since 2005 (.717). "We were impressed with the fitness test," Rich said. "The day was positive so far. Definitely a good day. There's pieces coming together. Now it's time to create the culture off the field and chemistry on the field." Sights from the first session of preseason ?? #letsgoG | @uncgspartans pic.twitter.com/5NYtgNl7Oy — UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGMensSoccer) August 10, 2021 The 2??0??2??1?? season begins today?? First day of preseason. Year 3 with @UNCGMensSoccer. Let's go!!#UNCGsoccer ?? | #letsgoG pic.twitter.com/CXDu4XhzC4 — Chris Rich (@CoachChrisRich) August 10, 2021 Print Friendly Version This press release was produced by UNC Greensboro Athletics. The views expressed here are the author's own.