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We have now completed the first phase, which is the regular season. The boys have really done a nice job of giving me a strong effort every day. We have really had some great leadership this year from Chukwudi Chijindu, Julius James, Ryan Cordeiro, Louis Jones and Toni Stahl.

Our opponent in the BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinal match this Saturday, November 10th at 7:00 pm will be the University of South Florida. This will be a great match for the average college soccer fan to enjoy and we look forward to our “supporters” being in attendance.

Our league is a real grind and from top to bottom there isn’t a more competitive, difficult league in college soccer. The players in the BIG EAST must navigate through a difficult 11-match schedule with locations, field surfaces and climates varying from site to site. The players in this league are challenged every day.

A lot of people on the outside don’t understand what our 11-match league schedule entails as compared to a league schedule that has only a few matches. When you are in the BIG EAST you must play league matches mid-week which are very difficult. Because only 12 teams make our conference tournament, the regular season matches are all “must win” situations as four teams are eliminated from the post-season.

The regular season in other leagues are drawing to a close. John Rennie, the head coach at Duke University, will retire at the conclusion of this season after 29 years as a head coach at Duke University. John’s influence on the game has been incredible. We are going to miss him and all that he has done for the sport. He was a great pioneer.

We also miss the influences of a Jerry Yeagley, Jim Lennox and Joe Morrone. As I get older I realize just how much they did for our great sport and also how much we have lost by their retirements. I hope that people realize the influences that these four men have had on our sport.

Once again, I have to ask that you vote for Julius James for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Fan voting continues until Nov. 21 here: http://soccer.seniorclassaward.com/10316/playercard.aspx

Finally, we hope to see you on Saturday November 10th at 7:00 pm at Joseph. J. Morrone Stadium for the BIG EAST Quarterfinals vs. the University of South Florida Bulls.