Aggie Soccer coach G Guerrieri talks winning streak, matchup with MSU
On how the teams motivation and momentum have helped to achieve the nine-game winning streak and an overall outstanding season…
“They believe in each other. We talk about what commitment is about and there’s a lot of people who say they are committed in all kinds of walks of life but they are not, they are still keeping one foot out of the pool. This team is all in. They are completely committed to not just the idea of winning a championship but everyday how we kind of compete in training and how we work harder knowing we are making people better, the way that they try and look after themselves because a healthy teammate and looking after each other that way means that your team is that much better so all the little things that go into making us as good as we can be, this team has really been focused on. That’s a lot to ask of an 18 or 19 year old. To have that commitment to it and its what makes this team really special because they’re lead by some extraordinary seniors. It was cool to have senior day for them and for us to get another dramatic win for them on senior day. Now it’s time for us to hopefully get a championship. We go into the Mississippi State game and Mississippi State has their backs up against the wall and if they win then their season continues, if they lose it could be over so we know that we’ll get everything that they’ve got and they’ve got a lot to throw at us. For us, it’s a chance to win a championship. If we win and Florida ties or beats South Carolina then we’re the champions again so everything to play for. This is the first championship type game that we’ll see and this will actually help us prepare for the SEC Tournament.”
On it being Texas A&M vs. Miss. State week and the teams motivation to beat State…
“I think that it’s kind of cool that football decided to follow our schedule and that they went ahead and opened the gate to the big stadium on Saturday. I like the fact that the SEC has done this a couple times. When we beat Alabama that started off Bama week. Now we go to Mississippi State and football is home, it’s still kind of a cool thing, it keeps people focused on just beating that other maroon team.”
On thoughts about the upcoming SEC tournament…
“Compared to last year, it’s exciting again. I mean last year we went in really worried and our backs were up against the wall much like Mississippi State is going to have their backs up against the wall on Thursday night. I was proud last year of the fight the team had to win the first game. This time going in we’re thin against as far as our roster but we’re getting healthier having Emily Bates back that gives us a lot of confidence. It’s a great experience. People that don’t really know what Orange Beach Alabama is, I think they kind of raise an eyebrow, I don’t think they understand what the white sand beaches are like and the people and the food and all that stuff, it’s a great place and it’s been good to us. We’ve made the championship game several times, we’ve won the championship game a couple time. I’m looking forward to it as a fan because I know it’s a great experience.”