November 2, 2014

The Foster Files: Nov. 2, 2014

Honestly, I still haven’t come down from the jubilation of last night. My senior night could not have gone any better

Honestly, I still haven't come down from the jubilation of last night. My senior night could not have gone any better. To win the game in the last minute was an incredible feeling, one we got used to last season, but had yet to experience this year. We spoke in the week about creating memories that we can talk about 10 years down the line, and as a team, we certainly did that last night. It was a great team performance for the 90 minutes, and just as it looked like we were heading into overtime, senior Lukas Jokish; on the field for his first minutes in the Carson-Newman uniform, pops up with a wonder strike with 50 seconds to go to spark absolutely crazy scenes. It was so fitting that a senior scored the game winning goal, and especially so late, and with it being Lukas' first game after injuries, made the whole night even more special.

I can genuinely say it has been a pleasure to play for this team, and I want to give a special shoutout to the 7 other seniors who joined me for our last conference bow on McCown Field. For Nick Martin, Jake Fielder, Wade Collins, Franklin Taylor and Joao Dowsley it has been 4 years of hard work and dedication for the program, and all these boys will be sincerely missed. For myself and Kristian Speake it has been a whirlwind 2 seasons with the team with experiences that far exceeded our expectations travelling across from the UK in August last year. And finally for Lukas Jokish, who has only been here this season, what a way to mark your debut on the field!!

Seriously, you need to check out the video of the goal, not only for the wonderful finish, but also for the crazy scenes, as we who were on the bench ran onto the field before realizing we shouldn't be on there! That is, except Lucas Siquiera, who, after a flip and a samba dance in celebration, realized where he was!! These are the moments we as soccer players live for, you truly cannot write stories like what happened last night, and you cannot ever recreate that feeling, it is so unique and simply incredible.

Finishing 3^rd in the conference brings mixed feelings. Firstly, lets not beat around the bush, with this squad, we should have won the league, we let ourselves down in a number of matches that could have seen us finish top. However, at one point last night, before the winning goal, we were 6^th with the potential to finish 7^th after a match today, so to win the game, finish 3^rd, and secure a home game in the conference tournament is very pleasing.

All our focus is on Tuesday's rematch with Tusculum, who we tied with after double overtime at home earlier this year. Playing Tusculum always brings an added incentive to the game, and we will be doing everything to win the game and progress in the tournament. There is a huge sense of belief in the locker room following last night, and we firmly feel that we can win this trophy; and what a brilliant send off that would be for the seniors.

Thanks for coming out in the brutal cold last night and supporting us, it truly does spur us on when we need that boost. I ask that you all make a big effort to come to the game on Tuesday evening at 7:30pm and make lots of noise for us!! You know Tusculum always bring some fans so lets not let them be heard! Bring your blankets, wrap up warm, and get behind the lads!!

See you then

Duncan