The team held its ground Friday night against the nation’s No. 3 team.
The FGCU men’s soccer team opened the 2015 season with a draw against Georgetown.
Regardless of the scoreless game, the boys were left with high expectations for the rest of the season. Going into the game, the team knew of the level they would be up against.
“I’m really happy with the guys overall effort,” said Nathan Ingham, the senior goalkeeper. “They really did work hard, so I was very happy. Full team effort — if we can do that again, we’re going to have a real fun season.”
With 3 saves during the game, Ingham spoke highly of his team’s effort.
“A tie with the No. 3 team technically means you’re as good as the No. 3 team, right?” said Ingham. “So, if that doesn’t raise your morale, I don’t know what will. We just proved we can play with any team in the country.”
Ranked at the top of the coaches’ poll in the preseason, the results tonight proved that choice.
“We still take it one game at a time,” Head Coach Bob Butehorn said. “It was a good game, but they want to win a game. So, I think for us, if we can just take it as one step towards a big, long season, I think that’s what we’ll take it for.”
Despite the draw, Butehorn remains hopeful looking toward the rest of the season.
“I think it’s a lot of positives,” he said. “I just wish we could have maybe gotten a goal. I think it’s coming, though. I think it’s a good group. They did well. It was good.”
The FGCU men’s soccer team plays UCF at home on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the FGCU soccer complex.