Men's Soccer: Day 7 In Scotland
8/23/2004 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 23, 2004
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
9:15-10 a.m.-- The team has a light jog/stretch under the patchy gray sky in Glasgow. The weather is similar to the fall back in the U.S., with it being breezy and cool most of the time. August here has a completely different connotation here than back home when we usually think of sticky, hot weather.
It is interesting how the two cultures are different, but similar. For example, sports drinks here are called glucose drinks. Also, soccer is apparently a very American term, not just a synonym for what is football here and the rest of the world. If one says soccer, it is usually mocked with an American accent (sock-KERR, they say slowly, deliberately and sarcastically). You don't play football here, you are a footballer. There are plenty of McDonald's and there are advertisements for the movies Spiderman and Dodgeball at bus stops, and Usher and Brittney Spears play on the radio, but then they call the restrooms toilets. (To rent an apartment, there is a sign that says "To Let," which at first glance looks similar to toilet, but thankfully no one has tried to go to the bathroom in a vacant apartment, yet.)
10:15-11 a.m.-- Breakfast is served. The items are similar to the ones back in Manchester with eggs, bacon and sausage, with a table in the back complete with continental-style elements. (Jason Garey was able to load up his sugar with one or two Rice Krispies.) I don't know if our guide Eric was right about the air and the water being better in Scotland, but the dining hall is off to a better start.
The portions debate was also rectified, as the players were able to get seconds after the kitchen staff gave them the go-ahead. Also, the dining hall provides a nice coffee machine - it's still no Starbucks - but it seems to appease the coaching staff.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.-- After over an hour to relax, the team meets briefly before heading down to the field that is on campus for the game today.
2-4:30 p.m.-- Game against Glasgow Celtic.
Maryland 3, Glasgow Celtic U-19 0
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - The Maryland Terrapins quick-strike offense was on display again as the Terps scored two goals just three minutes apart in the first half and went on to win 3-0 over the Glasgow Celtic U-19 team.
"This team represented the most of what we are going to see in the college game - they were very technical and quick with and without the ball," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "But I thought our team showed its class and its capability. We dominated the game in pretty much all facets.
"I think we are surprising the teams with our technical and tactical abilities in addition to our physical abilities."
Starting today for the Terps were defenders Michael Dello-Russo, David Glaudemans, Kenney Bertz and Chris Lancos, midfielders Ian Rodway, Domenic Mediate, A.J. Godbolt and Jason Arnold, the forwards were Abe Thompson and Jason Garey and Noah Palmer was in goal.
The game was scoreless for the over 30 minutes, but the Terps controlled the ball and maintained possession throughout that time. Maryland was able to reverse the ball and create space in the midfield for itself, providing a few runs. Arnold broke through for the Terps after collecting a touch from Mediate. Arnold fired from 15 yards out into the upper left corner of the net for the score. Thompson was also credited with an assist for his long cross to Mediate.
Just two minutes later, Thompson got a goal of his own after forcing the Glasgow keeper to misplay a ball. Thompson collected the mistake and finished for the score.
The final Terp goal came from Garey after Mediate worked his way to the end line and got a shot off that was saved by the keeper but not collected. The ball bounced to the foot of Garey who nailed it for the finish.
Palmer made five saves on the game, including several impressive stops toward the end of the game, to record the shutout.
On the sidelines for Glasgow on Monday as an assistant was Tommy Burns, who is also an assistant for the Scottish national team and for the Glasgow Celtic First Team. Glasgow elected to send its U-19 squad instead of the scheduled U-21 team, but the U-19ers were unable to match the athleticism of the Terrapin squad.
The Terps will be off from game action tomorrow, but will get back into action on Wednesday against Hearts FC, who are scheduled to bring their top U-21 players for the game.
Scoring: MD-Arnold (Mediate, Thompson); MD-Thompson (unassisted), MD-Garey (Mediate) Shots: MD-10+7=17; GC-4+6=10 Saves: MD-2+3=5; GC-2+1=3 Fouls: MD-7+3=10; GC-5+1=6 Corners: MD-2+0=2; GC-1+3=4
5-5:30 p.m. - Dinner at the university dining hall, which tonight includes chicken and pasta, peas and fried mashed potatoes. One note of interest: Just when you think you've had a potato cooked every conceivable way, you visit England and Scotland and find even more ways. It's kind of like Bubba from Forest Gump describing all the ways he's eaten shrimp. "I've had potatoes mashed, hashed, French fried, baked, breaded..."
5:30-7:30 p.m.-- The players get a few hours to themselves before the next training session. The Olympics are televised in the common room so that's a hot attraction, and the computer room is another common destination.
7:30-8:45 p.m.-- A training session for most of the younger players on the squad. The time is used to help increase their fitness levels. During the trip, the staff has emphasized a blue-collar work ethic. Several practices have taken place in cold and rainy conditions, but the Terps have still persevered through that -- a good indication of that attitude they are trying to emphasize.
9-11 p.m.-- Most players are in the common room watching the Olympics. Some are receiving treatment for their injuries, but most are waiting for some pizzas to be delivered. While the Olympic action is going on, the conversation centers on what A.J. Godbolt's limits are when it comes to Fear Factor-type items. Godbolt has already consumed a cockroach, and declares, for the right price, that he will eat the mouse that inhabits their locker room at College Park when caught. Boys will be boys, eh?
Check back tomorrow for another update on the men's soccer trip on umterps.com.
