Julia Guerrero EDINBURG– Hours of practice and strategy will soon be put to the test as the UTRGV Men’s Soccer Club warms up for a regional tournament again.
The UTRGV Men’s Soccer Club is getting ready to compete against Texas Tech University in the regional tournament Oct. 27 through 29. The team has competed against universities including Texas State, Tarleton State and Trinity University where they placed first in their division under the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Region IV.
Richmond Akwarandu, UTRGV Men’s Soccer Club Vice President said this is the second year the team is heading to regionals. The team is in the same region as Texas Tech, Texas Christian University and Texas A&M.
“So we finished our south region, we were able to win that division again. So we’re back-to-back champions,” Akwarandu said.
Along with making it to regionals, the soccer club was also selected to compete for the first time at a national level on Nov. 27 through the 29. Akwarandu said the process of selection for the national level is like getting your name drawn from a bucket.
“We’re region four so that was about 10-11 teams. So, in the draw, once they put your name in the bucket you just pray that your name gets picked up,” Akwarandu said.
The team has been practicing intensely and focusing on conditioning and scrimmages to get ready for the next tournament. They practice three days a week. On Monday they focus on strength and conditioning, where they run timed drills. Tuesday and Thursday they focus on ball training but if they have a game coming up, they work on creating strategic plays.
Daniel Nyasore, UTRGV Men’s Soccer Club member said with their preparation the team feels ready to go.
“It’s been very special for us, and I mean to make it to regionals is very exciting for us and we are ready,” said Nyasore.
To learn more about the UTRGV Men’s Soccer Club you can follow them on Instagram @utrgvmclubsoccer.
