The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

South Siders aim to keep composure versus Warhawks

Men’s soccer will face their first non-conference opponent of October with a trip to Whitewater, WI.

Chicago (8–4–2) takes a break from the UAA as it hits the road to take on UW–Whitewater (9–3–3) this weekend.

The Maroons feel confident after three consecutive UAA weekends that have left them within striking distance of the UAA title.

“The team feels good after a strong start to our conference.  We just need to continue focusing on what has made us successful the past few weeks,” said fourth-year forward Nick Hollenkamp.

Chicago has tallied eight points in the UAA standings within the past three weekends, putting them in second place, and just one point shy of the leader: Brandeis.  The Maroons hope this confidence and positivity, which factored into four shutouts against Carnegie Mellon, Emory, Rochester, and Case Western, will carry into this weekend’s big game.

“We feel very confident going into this weekend, hoping to keep our streak of clean sheets,” said second-year midfielder Alec Magdaleno.

Chicago recognizes  that there are still a lot of games left before the UAA champion is crowned.  The competition to come is tough, and Whitewater is no exception. The Maroons may be confident with their results so far, but they still expect more out of themselves.

“We feel confident coming off of a four point weekend…but we are still unsatisfied since it only resulted in four points.  We need to improve our finishing in the final third [of the UAA],” said fourth-year midfielder Nic Lopez.

Regardless, the Maroons have not let their confidence distract them from the hard road that remains ahead.  Every game counts, and Chicago knows that its confidence must be supplemented with hard work in every practice and game in order to be successful against the Warhawks.

“We need to keep humble and keep working hard every day to succeed,” said second-year center back DJ Weis.

With that, the South Siders know there are no days off for the rest of regular season in order to keep their postseason dreams alive.

“Every player needs to do their job, and we have to continue what we have been working on,” said Magdaleno.

Though Whitewater is not in their region or conference, the Maroons are still preparing “for a notoriously physical match,” according to Lopez.  Whitewater has historically been a rough opponent, and Chicago looks to stay composed in a physically and mentally challenging match.

“Last year, at times it was an emotionally charged game, but on Saturday we will be focused on keeping the emotion out of it and just playing our style,” said fourth-year midfielder and team captain Kyle Kurfirst.

With that, the Maroons hope to maintain their success as they go into their last two weekends of UAA competition.  These last few games against big teams like NYU, No. 3 Brandeis, and longtime school rival Washington University will be the determining factors of a postseason berth.  A win at Whitewater will certainly keep Chicago in a good rhythm going into its last few regular season games.

The Maroons will hit the road to Whitewater tomorrow to take on the Warkhawks.  Kickoff will be at 3 p.m. in Whitewater, WI , tomorrow.

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