More from our Susan G. Komen Event

Here are some pictures of the pregame ceremony in which the money raised was presented to the families of Sue Hauck and Elizabeth Walter and then to Stacey Hallahan, the President of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Kentucky affiliate.

Austin College Captains Ryan Bielefeldt and Austin Newman giving the family of Elizabeth Walter our money raised. Robby (far left) and Gary are the son and husband of Sue Hauck, whom Centre's money was raised in memory of.

From left to right: Gary Crump, husband of Sue Hauck; Stacey Hallahan, President of Susan G. Komen Kentucky; Allison and Bing Walter, Elizabeth's parents; Allie Walter, Elizabeth's daughter; Matt and Audrey Walter, her brother and sister-in-law; Ryan and Austin.

Centre College 3 - Austin College 2 OT

There was obviously a lot leading up to this game with the Susan G. Komen event. Our team did a fantastic job of raising money for this tremendous cause (much in part thanks to you!). On the night, both programs raised $5,300 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with Austin College raising $3,800 of that. Demolishing Centre in the fundraising contest. The teams willingness to get out and raise awareness on Breast Cancer and the event was incredible. In addition, all who donated were so kind and generous. What a great cause.

After our game at DePauw in Friday night, we bused part of the way south and finished out the trip on Saturday morning, arriving at Centre around noon. We walked the game field for a few minutes and then, due to the rain, headed to their practice facility for a light stretch. Obviously I am a Centre grad and it was also Homecoming at Centre so it made for a special day. There was a lot of buzz on campus and the team did a fantastic job of staying focused on our task...beating Centre.

After the kick-around we checked into our hotel and then went to my parents house for our pregame meal. They so willingly invited 20 guys over for the meal, which I was so pleased they did. Much better then a restaurant meal. In addition, it allowed me to introduce the team to Allison and Bing Walter and Allie Walter. Allison and Bing are the parents of Elizabeth Walter whom our donations were being presented to Susan G. Komen in memory of. Elizabeth, as I have mentioned, passed away last winter of breast cancer and was a close family friend. Her daughter, Allie, was also there so I wanted the guys to meet the family members of Elizabeth. We took a team picture with Allie on my parents front porch. Allie is behind the plant in the middle of the picture.

In addition, I had a good friend come to speak to the boys about enjoying the entire experience of playing with close friends and having no regrets. Jason Kinser and I go way back and, despite being a Centre grad as well, was certainly cheering for the Roo's tonight.

After the meal we headed to the hotel to change and then loaded up to head to campus. We warmed-up on another field and then headed down to the game field just prior to kick-off.

The game got started in a hurry, as Centre attacks and does so with numbers. They came right at us but, different then the previous night, we sorted out our assignments and handled it very well from the start. Senior Ryan Bielefeldt (San Antonio, TX) who has settled in at center back, did a great job of keeping things organized. His outside backs Frank Abene (Grapevine) and Grant Gibson (Clinton, MS) were sharp as well. It would be Austin College that would strike first as senior Austin Newman (Austin, TX) would take a through ball from Miles Vaughn (Grapevine) and chip an onrushing Centre goalkeeper to put AC up 1-0 14 minutes in. Centre would equalize just over ten minutes later and then go up 2-1 on a PK with less than a minute to play in the half. AC would go into the half down 2-1.

At the break, we made a few adjustments to what we wanted to do offensively and to what we needed to do to fix a few things defensively. From there, the boys went into the second half head on and came to play. Centre definitely had the better end of the attack, but we had some great opportunities and put them under at times. Still down 2-1 with 12 minutes to play, we began to push an extra attacker up top and for the last 5 minutes of the game, had Centre on their heels. Freshman Garrett Evans (Duncanville, TX) would take a feed from Senior John Martinez (Grapevine) and finish with just over 2 minutes to play for the equalizer. AC would continue to press to finish things out and the game would head to OT tied at 2-2.

At the break I told the boys that we were going to win or lose this game...we went going to pack things in. We stayed with three up top and wanted to go right at them. We did and moved the ball around very well the first part of OT. However 5 minutes in a scrum in our 18 would lead to a Centre goal that would end the game with AC on the losing end, 3-2. An extremely tough loss for all of us as we played with so much heart and emotion it hurt. Things haven't fallen our way this fall, but efforts like that make me so proud of these boys. It is this character and passion that was missing to start the season. We have it now, and we won't lose that. I promise.

On a final note, I have to discuss how the game played out. As a former Centre player and coach, it was extremely surreal at times to watch/coach the game from a vantage point I have never experienced. It was special to be back and I was extremely proud with how the boys have played over the past few weekends, and certainly on Saturday night. I'm pleased to be coaching at Austin College. Finally, it should be noted who scored Centre's game-winning goal. Robbie Crump is the son of Sue Hauck who's Centre's donations were present in memory of. Sue passed away in August and knowing Robbie for the past four years, and considering the events of the evening, if someone had to score a game-winning goal against us, I'm pleased it was him. Truly a storybook ending, and a night I won't ever forget.

Thanks for every one's support. We look to take on Rhodes and Hendrix this weekend, and finish the season on a high note.

DePauw University 2 - Austin College 1

We traveled to Indianapolis, IN on Thursday afternoon, arriving at the airport around 7:00pm. We then headed to the hotel, checked in, and then went to grab a bite to eat. This was going to be one of the toughest weekends this season in terms of travel and competition. Our Colorado trip was tough, but this was going to involve two nationally ranked teams, back to back.

We go up on Friday morning and went to a local park for a light kick-around and stretch. There was an FFA convention and hotels were hard to come by, so we stayed about 45 minutes away from the school. That afternoon we went to a local mall to walk around and eat our pregame meal. We then headed to campus for our 5:30pm kick-off.

The game started in a hurry, with DePauw having the better run of things right away. DePauw does a fantastic job with their interchange of their midfielders, and despite knowing about it, caused us problems to start. Just over three minutes in they would score as we just didn't sort things out soon enough. The guys didn't let this affect their mindset and immediately following we settled in and began to play. Our defensive unit on the night was fantastic coming off the goal and really organized and dealt with DePauw's attack. It is not a straight forward attack, and involves good communication, which we had. One of our problems this fall has been our willingness to attack with a purpose; get forward in numbers and go to goal. We didn't have that issue tonight and did a good job of getting behind DePauw's back line. Junior Miles Vaughn (Grapevine, TX) and John Martinez (Grapevine) ran the show in the midfield and did a good job of sorting out the transitions.

The score would remain DU 1-0 at the break.

The second half would continue much of the same and both sides would create some very good opportunities. Nearly 20 minutes into the half, Senior Lance Frank (Dallas, TX) was taken down around 25 yards out. Lance has really come on over the past few weeks and has created a spark for us up top. With the free kick, John Martinez, Austin Newman (Austin, TX), and Nathan Spradlin (Rockwall, TX) were on the ball and Nate would step-up and hit a fantastic free kick into the upper right corner for the game-tying goal. Nate has been a huge catalyst for our end of the season emergence of our quality of play, and tonight he kept that going.

For the next 15-20 minutes, the game was back and forth, as both teams pushed to get the go-ahead goal. Unfortunately for us, DePauw would find it with 5 minutes to play as a ball got through on the backside and was tuck in by a DU player. We then moved to 3 up top, and had a couple close chances, but the game would end with Austin College going down 2-1. Another tough loss.

A couple bright spots from the loss...the boys have continued to push themselves and work to improve, despite the record. This is a true testament of their character and would make a huge difference the next night. In addition, freshman Garrett Evans was extremely solid on the night and has poised himself to do good things in the future.

Austin College vs. Centre (For Susan G. Komen)

As part of our fundraising efforts to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, our team set-up a table outside the dining hall. In addition, 3 players for the team partnered with members of the women's soccer team and dressed in drag in order to help the cause.

Thus far the donations have been fantastic...we appreciate every one's support as we try and beat Centre and support a wonderful cause.

Senior Day

On Sunday prior to our kick-off against Oglethorpe University, we honored our six seniors. Each have had an impact on this program in one form or another and will be deeply missed next fall.

Midfielder John Martinez

Defender Ryan Bielefeldt

Midfielder Austin Newman

Midfielder Nathan Spradlin

Defender Frank Abene

Forward Lance Frank

Austin College 2 - Oglethorpe 1 (FINALLY!)

Wow, it feels good to write this one. The posts (as you can probably tell) have been getting difficult to write. The boys have hung in and have continued to do everything I have asked of them. We have had our moments, however things have not fallen our way. Today was different...we brought something I have been searching for all year. A resiliency, a desire, to do everything it takes to get it done. This alone will create what is necessary. And it did.

Playing on what was an extremely windy day, one team would have to play completely against the wind, or with it to your backs. OU won the toss and chose to go with the wind to start the game. No problem.

We can out and, in a hurry, created some very good chances. On what was senior day (more on that next post), Austin Newman came out shooting and was clearly our most dangerous player in the first half. Newman, who amassed 8 shots on the day, missed by inches on several chances, and the score remained 0-0 early. However in the 17th minute, Oglethorpe would get off an incredible shot from 25 yards out, and with the wind to their back, buried a bomb into the upper left corner...a good goal no doubt. And put us in familiar territory...down 1-0 early. Regardless, we pressed and created a back and forth game to finish the first half. Still down 1-0.

At the half we decided to make a few changes and went with 3 up top. With the wind to our backs, we wanted to hammer their back line and create as many chances we could. It worked. We would out shoot OU 23-5 in the second half and notch the win. In the 72nd minute, Tommy Haney would hit a 40 yard ball that carried over Oglethorpe's goalkeeper and notch the game at 1-1. Then just over 10 minutes later, in the 82nd minute, senior Nathan Spradlin would take a weak side ball from fellow senior John Martinez and finish far-post for the eventual game winner. I solid finish when we needed it. AC would hold on to finish and get the win, 2-1.

This has been a difficult fall for all of us. However the boys have hung in, and never given up. As I have mentioned, we will fight every time and will go into everything expected one thing...to win.

We were able to take a deep breath today, and it felt good. We move on now, and face two solid opponents in DePauw and Centre. DePauw has been in and out of the national rankings all fall, and Centre currently sits at 25 in the country. We look forward to the challenge.

Thanks to all who made the tailgate (and brought food!) on Sunday. Always good to see everyone. Thanks to David Norman for setting that all up. David, your support is appreciated.

Austin College 1 - Sewanee 2

I apologize for the delay...

We came into this game feeling great after what was a solid week of practice. The previous weekend was tough, taking two difficult losses. However these boys have been resilient and have (and won't) pack their bags. We came out in a hurry and pounced on Sewanee from the start.

Sewanee has posted some good wins and we knew this was going to be a good game. AC would get on the board first. Following a foul 25 yards out, Nate Spradlin would drill a free kick that would rebound off the crossbar and to the top of the six. Fellow senior Lance Frank would head the ball back on frame where it was knocked down by a Sewanee defender for a handball and a PK. Spradlin stepped up and put AC up 1-0.

This would be the score through the rest of the first half.

The second half saw Sewanee come out with a bit more attack and put us under a bit. However we continued to respond and had some good opportunities ourselves. Sewanee would tie the game off a long ball service and a bit of lackadaisical marking on our part. Sewanee would then get the go ahead goal off a misplayed cross with just over 20 minutes to play. We picked up our attack, as Sewanee bunkered in, however despite out shooting Sewanee in the second half, wouldn't be able to find the net and the game would end with Sewanee up 2-1.

A tough game. All year we have not created much luck on our end and have had moments of lazy marking in our defensive 1/3, and teams have taken advantage. If we cleared that up, some of these games might be completely different. It is the reality though, and we drop another close one. We move onto play Oglethorpe on Sunday.

A Special Event

In association with National Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, our game against Centre College on October 27 will be played to benefit the Komen Foundation. Leading up to the game, both programs will be raising money to benefit this cause. Austin College and Centre College will compete to see who can raise the most money.

Prior to the game, a ceremony will take place in which all funds collected will be presented to the Komen Foundation by the two programs and in the names of two special women.

Elizabeth Walter is a close family friend of mine who, at the age of 35, lost her battle to Breast Cancer last winter. Sue Crump is the mother of a current Centre player who lost her battle in August. Both were amazing women and an inspiration to all who knew them. It is important to know that even as young men, we are all affected by this disease one way or another.

In addition, both teams will wear pink armbands in recognition of these two women and all women who have and will battle this disease.

Should you like more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch. My office number is 903-813-2412 or you can email me at mhudson@austincollege.edu.

Thanks again for all the support.

Mark

Trinity University 6 - Austin College 0

Trinity came into this game with a perfect 11-0 record and a number 1 national ranking. They have been the watermark in the SCAC for the past 6-7 years and have one of the strongest teams in recent memory this fall. We knew this was going to be a big test for us.

Trinity would score 10 minutes in and follow that up with another to go up 2-0 at the break. Despite the situation, we felt good and wanted to try and press them a bit to start the second period. We did create a couple of our better chances to start, but TU was too much on the day and the game would finish 6-0.

I give TU all the credit, they are an exceptional team and, if they make it out of this conference, will be a sure favorite to win the national championship. They possess better then I have seen them in the past and their ball movement in the final 1/3 is outstanding. I will never accept a 6-0 loss, however TU was heads above us today.

Southwestern 5, Austin College 0

First, I apologize with the LONG break without any posts. With our off weekend and some other things going on...I got a bit side tracked. I promise to be a bit better as we head into the last 3 weeks of the season.

After what was a much needed and well-timed "off" weekend, we can into the Southwestern game feeling refreshed and ready to go. We had one of our better weeks of training this fall and our attitude was exceptional. As with every game, we felt good about our chances.

The game started out well with Austin doing a good job of sticking to our system and creating some opportunities offensively. This was a major focus for us over the past two weeks. In addition, our defensive organization looked good. Southwestern, who typically in the past has played a bit more of a defensive formation, has been more on the attacking end this fall, and it has done them well. They have several players that are capable of creating chances for themselves, and their teammates.

Unfortunately in a matter of less than two minutes, about 26 minutes into the first half, AC would concede two goals and be looking at a 2-0 hole. Despite a let down over that time, we would rebound and play a much better half to finish things out.

At the break, we discussed our options of getting back in this game, and came out much stronger offensively to start. Austin Newman would prove to be a bit more effective going forward and Lance Frank would have one of this better games this. Things wouldn't go AC's way, however, as we would fall behind 3-0 just 10 minutes in and we would never regain our footing. SU would score two more to finish things out and AC would fall be a score of 5-0.

As I told the boys after the game...we have no choice but to keep our heads up and give things another go. We have struggled, no doubt, however we will not pack our bags.

Last Weekend

Last weekend we travelled to Birmingham, AL for a Friday night game against Birmingham-Southern. We flew into Birmingham late Thursday night, got up Friday morning and went to the field for a light training session. Following this, we had lunch and then a pregame meal around 4:30pm. Game time was set for 8:00, so we had to endure a long day in the hotel and the local mall.

We knew Birmingham was going to be a very capable team, and they were. Since they are in transition from Division I, they have some very capable players. The game started off extremely fast, with Austin College dodging a couple bullets early. However about 5 minutes into the game we looked to settle in and were defending and attacking very well. In the 24th minute, Austin Newman would put us on the board first off a counter attack. Austin would receive the ball on the flank, get around his defender, and slot a near post ball past BSC's keeper. A great goal on Austin's part, and something we have been waiting to see all fall.

However just over a minute and a half later, BSC would level the score to make it 1-1. A tough goal to concede. Matt Dickinson, who played a great game in goal, saved a great first shot, however couldn't cover the rebound and BSC would put in the opportunity. The first half would be much of the same. BSC pushes forward in numbers and we would counter on them, and did so very well.

At the break we discussed some slight changes to what we were doing defensively and how we would attack them offensively.

The second half saw us on our heels much more than we needed, however we had trouble settling offensively and getting things under our control. We played tremendous team defense in the game tonight, and they really showed in the second half. The score would remain 1-1 at the end of regulation. We didn't make many adjustments defensively at the break, but rather talked about how we were going to attack.

The score remained 1-1 through the first OT and then less than a minute into the second OT, a foul in the box would have Matt facing his first PK on the season. A tough call...it may have been a foul(soft), but I have trouble with the official (again) determining the game. BSC would convert and we would lose our third OT game this fall. Tough.

The boys played how Bryan and I have been preaching and expecting all year. They never let in, matched them stride for stride, and converted when our opportunity came. Unfortunately, like it has all year, things fell to the other side. Regardless, I was proud of the boys.

We then travelled to Jackson, MS on Saturday for a Sunday game against Millsaps College. Millsaps is a well coached, resilient team that works hard for each other. No excuses...we didn't match that on Sunday and would drop the game, 1-3.

Consistency on the season has been our issue. Bringing what we are capable of one game, while bringing maybe 60% the next. That can't happen, especially with us getting into the meat of conference play. We have this coming weekend off, which will be good for us I believe. We then turn around and play the other Texas SCAC teams next weekend in Trinity and Southwestern.

Upcoming...

We travel tomorrow to face SCAC newcomer Birmingham-Southern College, flying out of DFW tomorrow afternoon. Birmingham is a quality side that, up to last weekend, has faced only Division I opponents. Since they are in transition going from D1 to D3, their conference games will not count towards the conference championship. It will be our first night game of the season, so the boys are looking forward to the challenge.

We will then move on to Jackson, MS for a game Sunday against Millsaps.

I will try to blog this weekend with more details on both opponents. In addition, I plan to have a few of the players give their thoughts on the games and season thus far, so stay tuned.

I also wanted to let everyone about a few upcoming dates...

Our senior day, alumni day, and parents recognition day will all take place on Sunday October 21 as we face Oglethorpe University. Mark it on your calenders.

In addition, the following weekend we travel to Indiana and Kentucky to face DePauw and Centre. As you know, this will by my first return to Centre's campus since taking the A.C. job in January. The game will take place on Saturday night, which is also Centre's homecoming weekend. As part of the festivities, both programs have decided to play the game for charity. The game will be played in the memory of Sue Crump, who is the mother of a senior on Centre's team that passed away this past August of breast cancer, as well as Elizabeth Walter, a dear family friend of mine that passed away of the same disease this past winter. Both teams will be raising money leading up to the game with all the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In addition, both teams will wear pink armbands to commemorate the occasion. It should be a special evening. If you would like more information on this, please don't hesitate to be in touch.

Colorado Trip

We flew out to Colorado Friday afternoon and arrived in Colorado Springs around 11:00pm. After a good nights sleep, we got up and had a good breakfast before heading to campus to get a light workout in. Since we had to attend class the day before and arrived so late, we needed to get a quick sweat and attempt to adjust to the altitude the best we could. The boys knocked the ball around a bit and then we did some sprints to open our lungs.

After a catered lunch at the hotel, we returned to CC for a 2:00 kick-off. The boys came to play from the start. Austin College had a better part of the possession in the first period, and some very good opportunities to score. However we lacked that finish and having given up an own goal, go into the break down 1-0.

The second half was much of the same, with Colorado pressing us a bit more then the first, however we continued to do well with possession and opportunities. Things would not fall our way and after we give up a tough second yellow and go down a man, Colorado sneaks one in to finish the game 2-0. Colorado is a very good team. The problem is, so is Austin. Unfortunately we continue to miss that crucial bit of personality, when we need it, to simply get it down.

The game against Nebraska was back to our old habits. Nebraska Wesleyan would score in the first half and the boys couldn't find anything to match, we lost 1-0.

As I told the boys today, we will never stop working. Never quit getting better. That's all we can do. And we will.

Thanks to all the parents that made the trip, the support means more than maybe the boys let on. The coaching staff appreciates it as well.

Austin College 2 - University of Texas - Dallas 3

These are never easy to write. Its funny, if this is all character building, we have plenty of it. A tough result. UT-Dallas is a very capable and quality team that is going to continue winning lots of games this fall. They have already won several good ones, including a 2-0 win over American Southwest Conference favorite UT-Tyler and our next opponent, Colorado College, also 2-0.

We can out swinging in this one with our best start to date. We defended well from the beginning and attacked in numbers to start. Just roughly over 10 minutes in John Martinez beat a couple defenders in the box and was eventually taken down and awarded a penalty...which he immediately stepped up to take. Funny, his rule is if your the one that gets fouled, you don't take the PK...to much emotion to finish properly. But I didn't call him off as I knew he would finish. His desire over the past few games has been phenomenal. AC up 1-0.

Unfortunately, bit of a let down just over 5 minutes later had UTD level the score at 1-1. Regardless, we still continued to play throughout the half and by a piece of Alex Dawson magic, we would go into the break up 2-1. Alex, a very aware striker, found UTD's goalkeeper off his line and found the back of the net from around 40 yards out.

At the break we discussed our options and knew that our best option was to continue to play them straight-up. We did and were on our heels the first part of the second half, however we were countering very well and created some very good opportunities. Unfortunately nearly 20 minutes into the half we gave up a backside goal that leveled the game 2-2. UTD would add their second of the half with around 14 to go and we never recovered. A few small mistakes...

Either way, we know what we are capable of and that things will turn eventually. We have our second season among us with the opening of SCAC play this weekend in Colorado. We fly out on Friday and play CC on Saturday, with the game set for 2:00 MST. We then play our final non-conference match on Sunday against a quality Nebraska Wesleyan team before flying home Sunday evening.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support. The boys and I will keep moving forward. Expect some good things this weekend.

Austin College 1 - Illinois College 2

We move on to play probably the best side we have seen yet, University of Texas - Dallas. This will be a great test for the boys to get things done. We have been, to this point, trying to determine our identity. It must come today...

Austin College 1 - Univ. of Dallas 2 OT

More on this game a bit later, but I will say that the boys played well and did not deserve the result today.

Being a soccer official is not a position I would want to be in, so I respect their willingness to be associated with the game. However, never should an official have such an impact on a game that their decisions decide the outcome. This was the case tonight. A poor and unjust PK call two and a half minutes into the first overtime sealed the win for Dallas.

I give Dallas credit, they are a capable side. However, I have a hard time with the final result due to a referee's poor discretion. The boys certainly deserved more than that.

We will continue to stay the course...

Training for the Weekend

We finish out our week of training with a good walk-through this afternoon heading into our rematch with the University of Dallas tomorrow afternoon, in Dallas. After both teams met to open the season and finished with a 0-0 draw, the teams have gone in opposite directions, at least in the won/loss columns. Dallas went on to beat LeTourneau University 4-1 and Hendrix College 2-1. Obviously we went another direction, dropping two games. Despite the outcomes, I feel we are on the right path and can correct some issues with the game tomorrow.



As of today, all 20 players on the roster will be available, which will be a first for the short season. This should add to our depth, of which Dallas has plenty. If you have been to the last two AC games, expect to see a different team tomorrow.



To close out the week, I thought I'd add a few more photos from training the past few weeks.

Thanks for everyone's support. I hope to see you tomorrow in Dallas and then on Saturday as we return home to face Illinois College.

Technical Trainining

A little chat between technical circuits

Possession

Raif getting in a weight workout

Austin College 1 - LeTourneau Univ. 2

No doubt this is a tough one to write. However, as we discussed after the game, we have to stay the course. This is a tough learning situation for some individuals, which directly affects the team. They will learn and the team will be better in the long run.

Despite not having four players available I felt we played a very capable first half, going into the break up 1-0. Our ball movement was very good and we created opportunities, which had been a bit of a hang-up for us. It could have been more at the half, but all things considered, I was pleased with the effort.

The second period was a complete transformation, as we forgot had made us successful in the first half. Defensively we had some minor break downs; unfortunately, minor break downs the lead to two goals in about an eleven minute span. We never rebounded.

A quite locker room following the game. It's important for them to realize that sometimes you have to take a few steps back to take a step forward. We have a nice break this week until we travel to Dallas Friday afternoon for our second match against the University of Dallas. Then turn around and play Illinois College on Saturday. The boys had Sunday off and will have today off as well. Tuesday we will resume training.

For those that were at the games this weekend, thanks. I promise we will make it worth your while very shortly. Hang in there with us.

Austin College 2 - ETBU 3

This was a tough one. We certainly expected ETBU to be very capable, however I really believe we beat ourselves last night. Give ETBU credit, they were the better team...yesterday. It was a learning experience for some of the boys and something I'm sure we won't need to deal with again.

We move on with a light session this afternoon and then LeTourneau tommorrow. Game time is set for 2:00pm.

Step two...

After a much needed day off on Monday, we were back training on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for this evenings game against East Texas Baptist University. ETBU will be another quality test as they like to attack and are very capable of getting forward quickly. They have a couple of players that can certainly burn us if given the opportunity. Our job is to keep those chances to a minimum. I thought we conceded too many shots on Sunday, so that will be a focus defensively tonight.

Our offense is still "learning the ropes" however after the two training sessions this week, I feel we are moving forward. Expect us to be a bit more selfish in our attack. In other words, I don't expect this to be another 0-0 game. We shall see.

Thanks again for all your support,

Coach Hudson

Austin College 0 - University of Dallas 0

We knew that the University of Dallas was going to be a good first test, and they certainly proved to be just that. They are an extremely athletic team and well organized. In addition, they have some kids that can score goals in bunches. I knew this would really test where we are organizationally with our defense.

I felt our back four of Ryan Bielefeldt, Nathan Spradlin, Frank Abene, and Mike Cline did a fantastic job of remaining organized and dealing with their attacks. We are still working some kinks out, but much of that was resolved yesterday. In addition, Nate Noel was superb in goal for us making some great saves, including a game-saver in the final minutes of the first overtime.

Miles Vaughn was solid holding down the midfield with Austin Newman more than holding his own on the flank. Austin was no doubt our most dangerous player on the day. Offensively we are still learning the system and getting our timing down, but overall we still created some very good opportunities. We certainly had our chances to win the game.

Its a work in progress, but overall I thought it was a solid performance from the entire team. Dallas is a quality squad that will win a lot of games this fall. We do see them again in a few weeks, so we'll have another shot.

The boys had the day off and were able to rest their legs. We'll pick training back up tomorrow afternoon and Wednesday before hosting East Texas Baptist University this Thursday. Game time is set for 5:00pm.

Thanks to so many that came out to the game yesterday and to those that participated in helped out with the tailgate party. What a great atmosphere! I would love to see the same this coming week! Thanks to David Norman for getting all that set-up. The support is truly appreciated.

Mark

Here We Go...

After what has been a fantastic two weeks of preseason, things kick-off this afternoon for the 2007 Austin College Soccer season. No doubt we are all ready to get things rolling...

I woke up early this morning and took my dog out to the field for a little walk. I told the boys I wanted them to walk the field this morning, to not have the first time they step on the field be game time. Something we will maintain throughout the season, home and away. This morning I wanted to be the first one on the field, period, and then be off before they got there. As I walked around 7:30am, a host of thoughts went through my head. Despite being here for just over 8 months, this school, this team, has truly endeared me. The opportunities that this school gives to young men is outstanding, and hopefully being a part of AC Soccer is integral in that growth.

We have a special group here. Each with their own contributions, own personalities, that makes AC Soccer what it is. We start this season off today, but continue what was established years ago. If you expect anything this fall, expect us to represent AC Soccer with hard work and pride. And hopefully, a hint of something special.

Thanks to everyone for you support. Here's to a good fall...

Mark

Good Two Weeks...

I apologize for the delay in getting a post up since last weekend. Its been a busy, and productive week. We went through our final paces this morning, and will be ready to go tomorrow.

Our scrimmage against UT-D was extremely beneficial as they are an athletic and very well organized team. Despite the 0-2 game, we took much away from it and have applied that to our work this week.

Its been a work in progress as everyone, not just the freshmen, are having to adjust to the system and expectations. We are very close to where we need to be.

Everyone is healthy heading into tomorrow, and I expect it to be a great test for the boys.

I know we are all ready to get things going.

Some pics from training this past week...



Ray J. running a group through core exercises.



Weight Room Workout.



Technical Training.

A Good Test...

After nearly a week of fall camp under our belt, we head down to face the University of Texas - Dallas tonight for our second test of the preseason. The boys are feeling pretty good and our legs, while still a little heavy, are recovering after the first week.

We did fact Ceder Valley on Thursday afternoon and after only a couple days of training, I felt very good with the result. Certainly we have a long way to go, but the boys showed very well in certain aspects. As we continue to make adjustments and learn the system of play, we will only get sharper. I'm sure we will see an even better team this evening.

Austin Newman has looked very good thus far in camp and I will continue to expect big things from him moving forward. In addition, Ryan Bielefeldt has made the move from up top to centerback fairly seamlessly and will be invaluable running the show from the back. Finally, Alex Dawson continues to impress and will lead the charge up top.

On another note, Newman, Bielefeldt, and John Martinez were elected captains the other night by their peers. Congrats to them.

Thanks for checking in and I still plan to get some training pics up early next week.

Mark

It begins...

The boys reported to fall camp on Monday August 20. Over the past couple of days things have progressed nicely and I am pleased with where we stand. Our freshman group has settled in well and the team as a whole is coming together and understanding the direction.

We open with our first scrimmage tomorrow against Cedar Valley Community College, out of Dallas. Although our time together has been brief, I expect our organization to be good although we are no doubt working some kinks out...and will continue to do so until we open on September 2.

We have so far had multiple sessions each day, with the weather being pretty cooperative. Although we train in the early morning and late evening, the "cold front" that we have experienced is making it extremely pleasant to be out. I believe it was the low 90's today, with a nice breeze. Could be much worse. I hope to have pictures of our training sessions by the end of the week.

Thanks for the support.

Coach Hudson

Preseason Approaches

Here we go...

I'm extremely excited about this blog and I hope that each of you will find it entertaining and useful. I really feel it will give everyone an added element and insight into the 2007 season. It is my hope to be able and give access to aspects of the program that many don't see. It should be a great way to keep up with us as we go through the season. Now, the good stuff...

The boys report in less than a week and I know they are anxious to get things going. We will have two weeks before we open the season with the University of Dallas. I'm looking forward to getting on the field and getting my hands dirty.

A couple of notes...

I am extremely pleased to announce two assistants that have agreed to come on board this fall. Each come with a terrific background and experiences that will be extremely beneficial to both myself and the team. Byran Hantak comes to us from his position as an assistant with the University of Dallas, where he spent the past two seasons. Prior to that Bryan lived in St. Louis where he spent time with Fontbonnne University as well as running his own club. Bryan began his collegiate career with Saint Louis University (where he roomed with Brian McBride, by the way) and finished at Fontbonne where he was recently voted into the Hall of Fame. Following a stint as a professional, Bryan joined the coaching ranks.

Ray Burse, Jr. is currently a goalkeeper with FC Dallas where he recently made his debut and has since gone on to post a 4-0 record as a starter. Ray was drafted by Dallas out of The Ohio State University where he was an All-Big Ten performer and a member of the U-20 National Team Pool. He is an extremely talented player and has come on board to assist with the team and, of course, train the goalkeepers. In my attempt to begin posting video, I have (hopefully) attached a video of Ray in his debut against Chivas Guadalajara. (Definite handball by the way that led to the goal). Sorry Ray, only video I could find...

You can read more about Bryan and Ray in the "Coaching Staff" link on the AC Men's Soccer web page.

Finally, please pass the blog on to others that may be interested. Thanks for your support of AC Soccer.

Enjoy,

AC Men's Coach, Mark Hudson