Crunch time

Men’s soccer prepares for conference schedule

Liberty men’s soccer is focused on continuing its strong start as conference play began for the 2016 season Saturday, Sept. 24 against Winthrop University.

“I think it’s critical the first weekend we (got) points,” Head Coach Jeff Alder said.

Last year, the Flames endured their toughest season of Alder’s 15-year career after going 6-10-1 overall and 2-6-1 in conference play.

The sluggish year is uncharacteristic of an Alder-coached team, whose career Big South record with the Flames is 66-45-11.

He also led the Flames to men’s soccer Big South tournament titles in 2007 and 2011.

As conference play begins, the Flames are on pace to be a contender once again after starting the season with a 3-3-1 record.

Within that stretch, the Flames played talented opponents such as top-20-ranked American University, and competed with them all the way to double overtime.

Through the first seven games, the Flames missed multiple opportunities to capitalize on early leads which eventually resulted in draws and losses.

Alder said he hopes to fix those errors and channel that early momentum into three points during conference play.

“I think a lot of it is mental concentration,” Alder said. “I think part of it is, you have to put yourself in those positions, which we’ve done. Then ultimately it comes down to a couple guys making a play either defensively or in the final third.”

Both team captains, senior midfielder Kyle Carr and sophomore defender Nico Bellarde, said it is a necessity to remain concentrated as conference play begins.

“(We have) a mentality that winning is what we’re striving for every game, and (we give) God glory through that,” Carr said.

“Last year we had a tough season. I think everyone is focused and hungry, ready to prove themselves this year.”

Bellarde said he believes the energy and stamina are there, but the team needs to fix minor details to be ready for conference play.

“We never quit,” Bellarde said. “We’ll fight until overtime is through. I think we need to continue our focus and not give up any silly mistakes.”

Six of the Flames consistent starters are underclassmen.

As a sophomore, Bellarde is part of the younger group, but it has not stopped him from taking responsibility as a captain.

“In the locker room, on the field, and around campus I’m just trying to set a good example for the other guys,” Bellarde said.

“We have a lot of new freshmen, and we went through a difficult season last year. So I’m just trying to put through these guys’ heads that we’re not letting that happen again,”

As one of the three seniors on the team, Carr also recognizes the importance of his role as a captain on the team.

Carr encourages the younger players through mistakes and tough games to help them focus on moving forward.

“I think a lot of it is just staying positive with them, even through mistakes and tough losses,” Carr said. “Just saying, ‘Hey, this is good for us down the line.’”

In the 2016 preseason poll, the Flames were voted to finish conference play in fifth place, according to libertyflames.com.

Voted ahead of the Flames are Radford, High Point, Winthrop and Campbell.

The Flames already knocked off one of those opponents with a 4-3 win at Winthrop.

The Eagles are the reigning regular season and tournament champions and defeated the Flames in double overtime last season 2-1.

The Flames first home conference game is Oct. 1 versus UNC Asheville.

Davis is a sports reporter.