While the men’s soccer head coaching position is still vacant after former coach John Vidovich stepped down March 9, the Blues are heading in the right direction, according to assistant coach Robert Rupf. The challenging preseason schedule has so far proven that the squad, 1-1 so far in spring play, is up to the task.
“Over the last couple of weeks, we have been focusing a bit on the tactical side of the game,” says Rupf. “We have been employing a new defensive posture that the current coaching staff feels is necessary for the team to be successful in the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) playoffs.”
Rupf’s comments came after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Toronto Lynx on Saturday.
Both of the game’s goals highlighted the difference between the Blues and a professional team like the Lynx. The first came as a result of a slow response to an inviting cross by U of T’s defence. The second came in a manner expected of the only professional team in Ontario: a clever through ball was finished with the type of precision that Lynx fans are used to seeing.
For Rupf and the Blues, however, the signs are good: “The Lynx play at a more advanced level than us currently. This competition level is better than we would expect in the OUA and just above the CIS level.”
This means two things. The Blues will come up against opponents that will not be as clinical in front of the goal, and teams that won’t punish them for every defensive mistake like the Lynx did. Secondly, the 2-0 score should insitll confidence in the Blues, who managed to hold their own against a superior opponent.
With only three more games left, the pressure to improve is on. That very pressure may have been part of the reason why U of T failed to pick up a medal at last year’s championships.
Rupf is aware of the burden he and the the team are shouldering: “the expectations that we have laid out to the team are to get back to the National Championships and win a medal.” It is not an impossible task for the squad, who have reached the national championships two out of the last three years.
“The games that we have arranged in the exhibition series have been designed to help the team play under this type of high pressure, so that we can improve this aspect of our game,” continues Rupf.
Ultimately, wins bolster confidence and confidence breeds wins, meaning the Blues will be looking for goals to send them soaring into the regular season.
Sunday April 3 will see U of T take on Toronto Supra at the Lamport Stadium, giving fans the chance to see fully if the organization and commitment that Rupf and Elkaim demand of their squad is paying off.
In the long term, the head coach position is no closer to being filled than when John Vidovich stepped down, and it will be interesting to see how the team reacts to the instability that this creates. Many claim, however, that the team needs to look no further than the men presently at the helm for stability and direction.
While Rupf’s future with the Blues still hangs in the balance, he remains committed to helping the team achieve its potential, irrespective of who it is that will go on to lead them.
