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The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods men's soccer team begins a stretch of three straight home matchups Saturday at the SMWC Soccer Field as Brescia visits for a River States Conference match.
The Pomeroys did suffer two home losses to start the season, falling 1-0 to Harris-Stowe State and Oakland City before picking up a 1-0 win against Midway.
Senior
Yazen Bakhrebah had the assist in the Pomeroys' victory over the Eagles and he feels good about his team heading into this upcoming stretch.
"We're looking to come in strong. Once we're at home, we tend to not lose," Bakhrebah said. "Yes, generally speaking, it's been a little bit tough this season, but we're coming in strong. We're keeping an eye out for a prize. We're working consistently with our film, learning our opponents. We're learning from out mistakes.
"We just have to find balance and discipline. I'm sure all these boys individually were all stars. We all have to work together as a unit. Once we find that unity, we'll be unstoppable. I'm confident of that."
The Pomeroys are coming off a 4-0 loss to a high-caliber West Virgina Tech squad. The loss provided some learning opportunities as the team deliberated over the film study.
"We learned a lot from that game. We'll continue to grow. A loss gives you an opportunity to learn. We've had some ups and downs. As a team, we've come together," senior
Victor Villagomez said. "We've become a family. If we continue forward, we'll get better as the games go on."
Coach Abe Tizaf, who reloaded his roster with eight freshmen, is looking to see his squad continue to move forward and contend for a postseason berth in the RSC Tournament.
"There's always tough games, OK games and there's games with that winning mentality. West Virginia Tech was a good learning game. They're showing us who we are and what we need to work on. I'm glad we played them somewhat early on," Tizaf said. "I think the mentality is great. Starting Saturday, we'll show who we are."
Developing young players, while learning to win right now, is the goal.
"We're building a new team. The team we had that started the program four years ago has left," Tizaf said. "We have a great group that came in the second year. So we're working with competing but at the same time we're building for the next year. We have some high-level players that are getting that taste for college level. We're working hard. We have such a great freshman group that will shine a couple years ahead."
Saturday's game, in particular, will be big. If the Pomeroys can get a win, it could even their RSC record at 2-2 and put them right in the thick of the postseason picture.
"The Brescia game is a key for the River States Conference. By having a good result Saturday, that will put the first step toward the conference. Brescia has two good conference wins and is coming in strong. It will be a good game," Tizaf said.
The Pomeroys will play host to Carlow next Thursday and Point Park next Saturday.
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