Goals are coming left and right for the men’s soccer team in 2013. After a disappointing season last year saw them finish 9-7-4 despite a talented and diverse roster, the Lyons have come out swinging this fall by winning five of their first six games.
An unmatched offense has been the difference maker, as the Lyons averaged three goals per game over the first six, most of which have come from Travis Blair ’15. Blair sparked their offensive with a flurry of scoring that earned him honors as the NEWMAC Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career.
Blair credited his success in part to Coach Matt Cushing, who entered his 20th year with the Lyons in 2013.
“He is continuing to adapt my game to best help the team. So tactically I can situate myself in positions where I can achieve,” said Blair. Cushing’s strategies must be working, as Blair has accumulated five goals, and the team keeps adding tallies in the wins column.
Blair also recognized the success of the team at home as of late. Including their 3-0 record this season at Keefe Field, the team as a whole is 11-2-1 at home since the start of the 2012 season.
“Being at home provides a great environment to battle adversity, and we’ve finally gotten it together, as the results show,” said Blair.
Challenges remain for the Lyons in the coming weeks. On Sept. 21, the team faces Springfield at home in a crucial in-conference match up.
The Lyons were an even 2-2-2 within their conference last year, an area the team can look to improve upon while keeping up success at home. They’re certainly not lacking support from local fans.
There were an approximated 350 fans in attendance for their most recent home game against Keene State earlier in September. Blair believes the game against Springfield could serve as a similar stage for fans to show their dedication.
“Expect a great atmosphere and hopefully a great game as well! Hopefully we see a lot of people out there. We really appreciate it, and thanks to everyone who came to the Keene State game.”