Soccer season comes to close

In terms of wins and losses, the men's soccer season at Virginia Peninsula Community College didn't go as well as coach Kevin Darcy would have liked. However, in other ways, he was pleased with what his team accomplished in just its second season.

"The core players that attended training and attended the matches, the core players that were committed helped us in an effort move a young program forward," he said. "I was happy with the commitment of the core that was there."

Unfortunately, the numbers weren't what he was hoping for, with the team often struggling to fill out an 11-man roster. Having substitutes for games was practically non-existent, but when a full roster was available, Darcy liked what he saw.

"That core, when supported by the additional players on the roster, showed some good things in regard to ability to compete at the junior college level," he said.

That showed in an early-season win over Mid-Atlantic Christian University when he had 16 players available. His goal for next season is to have that many players available for every game and every practice.

"I know it's going to take some time," he said, adding the program does have a lot going for it.

"We're in a really good conference (Region 10). We have a great home stadium (Wanner Stadium in James City County). We've got support from the school administration and athletic department," Darcy said. "We have to hang our hat on the positives that are in front of us."

The season ended Monday, Oct. 14, with a home loss to Wake Tech. The Gators (1-7 overall, 0-6 in Region 10) did not qualify for the postseason tournament.