The Dixie State College men’s soccer team is up against the No. 11 ranked Seattle Pacific University on Saturday.
The Red Storm will play their first game against SPU, and they hope to recreate the success they had with last week’s win.
DSC has created an efficient system after big victories in the Kickoff Classic.
“It sends a message to the guys that with their work we can play with anybody,” head coach Danny Ortiz said. “As long as they are willing to put in the effort, we can play with anybody in the country.”
Ortiz said SPU will be a difficult game because they came in third place last year. But the Red Storm are mainly focusing on one game at a time.
“For the team this means a new challenge and we are up for the challenge,” said junior midfielder Josh Cook, a nursing major from Las Vegas. “Last year everyone thought we weren’t going to do well, and they just underestimated us.”
The Red Storm know what will be asked of them, and they are ready to put forth the effort with confidence.
“I expect a very physical team, of course,” Cook said. “Our coach has been telling us that they do play very physical. I’m expecting a lot of talent and basically a great game, of course, because they are a very good team. “
The Red Storm are mentally taking the season team-by-team and working specific areas for each different team they play.
“It’s going to be a difficult game,” said senior forward Francisco Rivero, a criminal justice major from Paramount, Calif. “But I think there is no reason why we can’t beat them. This team has the skills and the confidence to do it. They are ranked nationally but we can take on whoever and we’ll take on Seattle.”
Hopes are high for Dixie as it takes on SPU this week.
“We are a hard working team,” Cook said. “And I know we have great talent on the team, so I know I’m ready for the challenge and we’re not scared.”
The Red Storm play in Seattle at 8 p.m. on Friday.
