By John Syms, Part Time Staff Writer
Originally Published October 9, 2023
On Sept. 20, the Saint Vincent College (SVC) men’s soccer team picked up a victory against Westminster, edging the Titans in a 2-1 game. It was the Bearcats’ first conference game of the season, and they came back to win the match after they were down by one goal.
Freshman business economics and data science double major Mattia Speretta scored the game winning goal in the 85th minute of the game. Speretta also earned Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Newcomer of the Week. Speretta’s first year is looking remarkable as he leads the group with three goals and managed to get one assist from the match against Fredonia college on Sept. 12.
As of Oct. 2, men’s soccer has managed to start their conference record with one win, one tie, and two losses, but second year Head Coach Matthew Davis is fully confident in his team.
“I am very proud of how our team has progressed and how competitive we have been as conference play is underway,” Davis said in an interview. “We have great leadership from our captains and our new guys have given the team a great spark.”
Last year, SVC finished with a record of 5-9-4 and missed the conference playoffs. However, Davis is confident that they will make the playoffs this season.
“Defensively we have been very strong in PAC play, allowing only two goals in three games,” Davis said, “and if we continue that strong defensive play and get some timely finishing, we’ll give ourselves a good chance at PAC playoffs.”
Eduardo Richa, junior engineering major and defensive midfielder, contributed to the victory against Westminster as he provided the game winning assist.
Richa was excited about the win. “The win against Westminster meant a lot to us as it was the first game of the conference,” Richa said. “It’s always great to win a home match and it was the first win against Westminster in the history of PAC for SVC soccer.”
This is Richa’s third year competing and his first year as captain for SVC, and when asked what he looks forward to the most this season, he said, “To keep the spirit of the team up regardless of the results, and I look forward to work day by day to improve with my teammates.”
The Bearcats were ranked ninth in the PAC preseason poll, and as of Oct. 2 they are currently seventh in the conference with seven games left to play.