The Waynesburg University men’s soccer team is coming off their second conference loss all season and only their second game decided by more than two scores, as they were shut out this past Saturday, Oct. 12, to Saint Vincent, going down 4-0. Sitting at 7-4-1, and 3-2-1 in conference play, the Jackets only have five matches remaining, four of which being in conference, before they can get a chance in making it back into the PAC playoffs. 

Although their most recent contest did not end up as intended, senior goalkeeper, Michael Francus was still able to secure seven saves on the day. Francus, who is still battling a lingering injury that made him a “game-time decision” for their recent match against Washington & Jefferson, elaborated on his mentality of having such a game amidst the circumstances.

“I always go into every practice and game ready to do whatever it takes to win,” Francus said, while continuing to speak on the confidence he has in all of his teammates. “I trust that no matter who is on the field we’re always more than capable of winning.”

As for how he and head coach Trey Lunger have been able to keep the risk of reaggravating these nagging injuries and tweaks to a minimum, he elaborated on how Lunger structures his practices at this point of the season to work to their bodies benefit.

“Our practices are designed throughout the season to allow for a certain amount of load on people’s bodies. If our load becomes too high then practices will become less physically demanding,” Francus said, while mentioning that he trusts Lunger to know what is best for each individual on the team. “Every now and then a guy will get a rest day if they really need one. I trust that our coach will always design the best practice schedule possible to allow us to be in the best position possible to succeed.”

As for Waynesburg, as mentioned, they have four more matches in the PAC remaining, split in-between a road contest at Penn State Behrend on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Before they can get to all of those however, the home stretch starts on Wednesday, Oct. 16, when they travel to face Chatham for a 5 p.m. match.