Nov. 14, 2007

Going into senior day and the last regular season game, it's a strange feeling not knowing whether it will be your last time pulling on a Dayton shirt.

The boys had talked all week about belief, we had to believe that things would go our way and we could reach our goal of playing in the A10 tournament, something we felt our hard work all year had deserved. For myself, goalie Zac Gibbens and forward Tyler Imbrogno we were eager to savor every moment, but at the same time were willing to do anything we could do get the win against a tough Duquesne side.

With driving rain all morning the lads knew the conditions were going to be very difficult, the pitch would cut up, tackles would be flying in and there wasn't going to be a lot of free flowing soccer. Add to that a determined Dukes team who were keen to finish there own season on a high and we a very difficult task ahead. Still we believed.

The game started with a proud moment for the seniors in the squad. We were honored by the Flyer faithful and the coaching staff, who we knew were proud of our efforts and our personal development both on and off the field. For me knowing my family was watching the live stream at home was an extra incentive to do well and represent the program the way it deserved. I think it is fitting my fellow seniors get the praise they have earned, so here are a few things you may not know about them:

Zac Gibbens is possibly the most dedicated and committed soccer player I have ever met. He is the first to arrive and the last to leave the soccer field on practice day. He works hard and trains like everyday is his last. Our goalies penalty save against St. Bonaventure would keep us in the competition this year, and it was fitting considering his monumental effort this season. Off the field the guy is an absolute gentleman.

Tyler Imbrogno is one of those players so full of raw talent you know he can produce at any time. His record this year shows that. His pace and athleticism frightens defenders, and I know he has enjoyed this season immensely. He is a character in the dressing room and not one to shy away from the banter, a great guy!

So onto the game, and it didn't start the way we had planned. We conceded a sloppy goal off a free kick on three minutes. However we responded the right way and I was lucky enough to score two penalties within twenty minutes. What a time to score my first Dayton goals, and I knew we would only get better from there. It was 3-1 at half time thanks to a great solo effort from fellow Brit Daniel March, but we knew it was only half a job done.

The second half started well for us, we kept the ball and looked dangerous going forward. We were rewarded with three excellent goals by Florian `Frenchy' Decamps, Joe Olwig and Tyler Imbrogno. So it finished 6-1, an emphatic victory. All we could do after the final whistle was wait. We had done all we could on the last day.

We were told to go to the locker room while the staff checked other results, and although some news had filtered through we didn't want to celebrate until we were sure. And then coach walked in and simply said, "We're in". The place went mad. Our belief had paid off and we would play in the A10s at Dayton.

So, what a senior day! For me personally it was great to score twice, but not half as good as hearing we had done what we set out to do in August. For me the experience up to now has been fantastic. I've met so many great people, learnt a lot about the game and with a bit of luck I've had a positive influence on some of the younger players.

It's a great feeling to know it isn't over yet, and we will be looking to give everything we have in the tournament this week. I know I can speak on behalf of the other seniors when I say we aren't ready for it to end just yet.