Despite the fall coming, the men’s soccer team is getting hot.
Five games in with a huge season opening 2-0 win against Adelphi anchored by a two goal performance from Junior Johannes Hanken Tjostheim and a defensive masterclass that held the panthers to zero goals. With a record of 3-0-2 they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The end goal for Coach Pedro Velasquez and the rest of the team is to carry this success they have had to hoist that trophy once again. With a win and a tie in conference play, they are making strides to that goal once again. Their next chance at proving just how good they are is making a trip to the district with a chance of revenge as they previously tied the University of the District of Columbia.
Something that leans to warm weather is the offensive play from the Mercy Mavs. Offensively led by Junior Johannes Hanken Tjostheim with a jaw-dropping eight goals on the season in just five games is impossible without the help from his fellow teammates. From the likes of Julian Holland, Martin Penafiel, and Mateo Bacigalupo. None of Johannes’ success would be possible.
Head coach Velasquez of the red-hot Mavs weighed in on why the offense is clicking like never before.
“Our offense has been clicking and communicating with one another beautifully. Having a player like Johannes helps a lot – he’s a very good finisher in and around the box. However, he relies on his teammates to provide quality in terms of service and delivery to be successful.”
He adds how his play creates opportunities for others.
“Our backline gives our attackers more freedom to be creative and support one another. It has been a great team effort so far and that’s what we need most importantly moving forward.”
With the offense sitting at 12 goals between five games is something to be very proud of. Yet the defense cannot be discounted. In five games, the men have allowed only one goal so far. However, it is only a preview of how good this defense can be.
Backboned by senior goalkeeper Erik Elvestad, his defense is impressive, along with his highly praised back line which includes graduate student and captain Benjamin Van Buren. He is joined by senior Martin Penafiel, junior Matthias Schilbred-Eriksen, and junior Jorgen Krohn-Pettersen.
This starting backline was one of the first things Elvestad praised when asked about the early defensive success they have had
“We are doing very well defensively because of how we are communicating all over the backline. We also have a very experienced backline as in Ben with three years of college play under him and players like Jorgen and Matthias going into his junior year along with Martin going into his senior year so we have a lot of great experienced players in the back.”
Elvestard says a unit cannot be successful unless it is a team effort
“I believe that’s why we have had this success so far and hopefully throughout the rest of the season.”
With a big test this Saturday down in the District, the Mavs look to make some noise within their conference and remind everyone who won the conference title two years ago. The Mav soccer team is aggressive and eager to pounce as Winter is Coming for the rest of the ECC.
