Story by Taylor Hodges, Sports Editor
Photo Courtesy of Andris Visockis

The Aquinas men’s soccer team is having a successful season to say the least. Currently, their overall record is 5-2-1 with a 0-1-1 WHAC record. After losing a tough match against rival Cornerstone, the Saints bounced back against Madonna University with a tie. This marked the first night soccer game in the team’s history after having newly installed stadium lights put in this semester. The Saints lost a close match to the University of Northwestern Ohio by a score of 0-3.

With the season being nearly half over, the players have built chemistry and have gotten accustomed to how their teammates play.

“The season has gone pretty well so far, we are just beginning conference play,” said junior Chris Grote. “We have an amazing opportunity this year with such a deep squad.”

Senior Enrique Padilla agreed saying, “Our team is having fun this year. We are enjoying the season and there is a good positive energy at every training session.”

Leading the team in points this year is sophomore Jacob Bedi with six through eight games. Not far behind him is senior Aldony Mendez with five points through five games.

Not only is the team having success on the field, they’re also having success off in terms of chemistry and bonding.

“What is most exciting for me is making good memories with all the guys on the team,” said Padilla. “Whether that is having big wins in Overtime, going to nationals, or even bus ride stories for me it is what makes being on this team the best.” Grote commented by saying, “We have a brotherhood aspect to our team. We are all family, we all have each others backs.”

When asked “If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be and why?” Padilla replied with “Chicken. I like it a lot. Good protein and variety of ways to cook and season it.” I’m sure your coach will like this answer Rico.

The Saints next game will be tonight in an away contest against Lawrence Tech. The next home game will be under the lights against the University of Michigan-Dearborn on October 10 at 7 p.m.

About the Writer…

Taylor Hodges is a senior majoring in Sport Management/ Business Administration. He is the sports editor for The Saint and interns with the public relations department for the Grand Rapids Griffins. He hopes to one day break into the hockey business as a General Manager, but until then, encourages you to follow him on Twitter and download his mixtape.