Men’s Soccer is poised for a deep playoff run in 2019

Photo courtesy of Fraser Caldwell

Anand Sergeant is going into his third year on the men’s soccer team and is ready to build off of a highly successful campaign that he had the 2018-2019 season. Sergeant is one of the team’s top players and boasts an impressive resume. For his success on the field, he was named a first-team Ontario University Athletics all-star.

With a large portion of the team in their second year and above, the players have a wealth of knowledge at their disposal. Their familiarity with the competitive level of play inherent in varsity athletics will continue to guide them in using their strengths to their advantage. Most importantly, the current roster is one that has grown together. 

Anand Sergeant - Men's Soccer

Anand Sergeant (14) M

“I’m optimistic about our team this year. We have a group of players who have been around for a few years now, so we have more experience under our belts. I think that shows in games like yesterday’s against York, where the result wasn't what we wanted but . . . this year I really noticed a good composure amongst the whole team. I think that’s a sign that we’re maturing together. We have the players required for a deep playoff run,” said Sergeant.

Chemistry may play a large role in the team’s ability to succeed this year, many of the players have gotten to a point where they have a deep understanding of the nuances of each other’s game. 

“Growing [up] with guys in your year and adjacent years, you get to know everyone's tendencies. I think that's really important when you go on the field together because it’s like [there is an] unspoken chemistry, [you can] communicate and work off the guys around you. I think that experience definitely means a lot to the team this year,” Sergeant said. 

The team has its eyes set on gold as they strive to make it to the OUA championship and, hopefully, to the U Sports national championship as well. 

“The ultimate goal for everyone is winning a championship, so there’s the OUA championship which would be massive to win, it's been a long time since McMaster has done that. Then the ultimate ultimate goal is the U sports national championship, which is in November and brings together the best teams from every conference,” said Sergeant.

Men's soccer team at a game against the York Lions.

Seeing as though Sergeant is a decorated and talented player, his role on the team naturally developed into a leadership role. Sergeant embraces this role and the challenges that come along with it. He spoke of how he was inspired by veteran players and their desire to lead the team.

From then on, he felt more of a responsibility to be a leader on his team. Due to his experience, he wants to be someone that other players on the team can look to for advice or answers to questions. He said that his ability to lead lies in his preparation, focus and performance. 

Sergeant and the men’s soccer team are one to watch this year as they look forward to a great season and deep playoff run. You can catch their next game when they play the Brock Badgers on Sep. 14.

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