Did the Flint City Bucks successful championship run whet your interest for live soccer? Well, the UM-Flint Men’s Soccer Club has started their season. Unfortunately, the squad dropped the season opener to Mott Community College (MCC), 3-1, at Goodrich High School.

“Tactically we played better than the score portrayed,” said Tim McGlinchey, club treasurer and team captain. “We were better at controlling possession and holding our shape. There was some rust that needs to be knocked as it was our first game of the year.”

McGlinchey, a Flushing native and senior, feels that after reviewing game footage, the team will build on the defeat.

“We need to work on some things,” he said. “The team will make adjustments in practice. Our goal is not only to improve and grow not only as a team but as a representative of the university.”

The Men’s Soccer Club, which began in 2010, competes in the Michigan Collegiate Club Soccer League (MCCSL). Some of their opponents in the league include the Maize Futbol Club at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), Oakland University, Washtenaw Community College, Hillsdale College and MCC.

Last year, the club was knocked out of the playoffs by SVSU.

“That season was the first year for most people,” said Grand Blanc’s Ricardo Martinez, club president and a senior majoring in supply chain management. “We had hired a new coach and basically started from scratch. 

“We have learned from mistakes on and off the field. The team is much better prepared and Julia (Stulock, UM-Flint Club Sports Associate Director) has been a huge help. This year our goal is to progress in a manner that displays to the school that we are more than just a ‘club’ team.”

The team’s next home contest is at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Goodrich High School against the SVSU Cardinals. For further information, call 810-762-3441 or visit the UM-Flint club sports website.

“We’re very much looking forward to seeing what the men’s & women’s soccer teams accomplish this season,” said Stulock. “Last year was a rebuilding year for both teams, as they had new coaches and new club officers.  

“Between the returning coaches and players, plus the new talent joining this season, I hope they will see lots of success.”