College Edition College_FALL_I_2013 | Page 14

DOWLING ’s Men Soccer Stands Tall T Head coach John DiRico is in his 22nd year of coaching and understands what it takes to win. The Golden Lions were National champions in 2006 and would consistently post season of 10 or more wins. However, over the last two years, their performance has been declining, and they have lost that winning touch they held onto for so long. DiRico noted that the team lost eight games by only one-goal last year, but regardless, it was still a disappointing season. The Golden Eagles have played in four one-goal games this year, but have been on the winning side more frequently. With an experienced coach like DiRico, Dowling already has a starting point to get back on track. “We have a completely different team than last year,” DiRico said, “We have a tremendous roster and we have already won more games this year than all of last year.” Story by Kevin Freiheit Photos by Morgan Harrison “ “ “ he Dowling College men’s soccer team was unsatisfied with their r esults from a year ago. After posting a 2-15-1 record, the Golden Lions knew that change was necessary. With only 13 returning players, Dowling has already collected more wins than all of last year by winning three of the first five games this season. We have a tremendous roster and we have already won more games this year than all of last year. 14 WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM Head coach John DiRico 15