The Pioneer defense shut out 11 teams last fall

Posted April 3, 2009

By Paul Erickson, Sports Information Director

The UW-Platteville soccer team earned its first-ever NCAA III playoff berth and won its initial playoff contest, 1-0 over Wartburg. The Pioneers took to the field for the first time since that historic season on Wednesday, March 25, as they began spring practices. Coach Enzo Fuschino talks about the 16 spring sessions.

How excited were you to get back on the field, especially after last year's successful season?

"I was excited, and I know all of the kids couldn't wait to get out there and get started kicking the ball. It was a long winter, but thanks to our turf, we were able to get back out there as soon as we got back from spring break. I can see the excitement. All of them have been really intense, and they are working really hard. It's been a pleasure to be back out there."

How much momentum from last season carries over?

"Momentum carries over, but I think everyone knows we have to keep working harder and harder to obtain the level we want. We can just live off the past. We know our competition is getting stronger every year, and when we're practicing, they are practicing. So we have to get better."

What do you hope to accomplish this spring?

"Last year we had a lot of freshmen on the team, basically half our starters. What I'm trying to accomplish this spring is just make sure the team jells even more. The core is coming back, and we want to make sure everyone knows what everyone else is doing on the field. With the practices we have in the spring, we should be able to accomplish that."

With so much of the team coming back, have you added new wrinkles?

"Definitely. That's what we're working on, coming up with different plays and a system we will use in the fall. We're going to have some changes, but with the guys we have returning and the guys coming in, we should be able to play this new system. We're getting the foundation put in now."