Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFreshmen earn starting nod in midfield for Orange
By Matt Ehalt
Posted: 9/9/08, 12:50 AM EST Section: Sports
Dean Foti tells his SU men's soccer team it should never assume what the lineup is going to be until a few days before the squad's upcoming game. He stresses the lineup could change from week-to-week, as evidenced by the three different starting lineups Foti has posted in the first four games.
The lineup is also usually composed of players with college experience under their belt. But in the midfield, there have been two freshmen who have seen their name on the starting card for all four games.
Redshirt freshman Nick Olivetti and true freshman Raoul Meister have become key pieces to the Orange's midfield this season, starting all four games for Syracuse (3-0-1). The duo has provided solid minutes on the field for Syracuse this season and helped create scoring opportunities.
"Nick has been a nuts-and-bolts player who has done the work, rolled up his sleeves and made his way into some playing time," Foti said. "Raoul is very composed on the field, and he reads the game very well. He brings a lot of different dimensions in his ability to strike long balls over distances as well as to combine in shorter play."
Olivetti stepped into the starting lineup after redshirting last season because he was not in the mix for playing time and needed to work on his strength and endurance, Foti said.
During the summer, Olivetti devoted plenty of time to running and lifting regimens. He also kept active on the soccer field by playing with a club team, Super Nova, based out of Pennsylvania.
Foti said Olivetti might be the most improved player on the team from where he was at this point in the season to now. Olivetti is just pleased to get his chance on the field.
"I'm really happy with the opportunity to start and show how my hard work over the summer and stuff has paid off," Olivetti said. "I didn't really expect to step into the starting lineup, but after the scrimmages and pre-season, I guess I did that for me."
Foti also credited Olivetti's ability to be a simple player. Foti said he knows what he will get from Olivetti on a daily basis, and the midfielder has proved that he belongs on the field. The head coach cited Olivetti's performance against Colgate when he struck a powerful shot that the Raiders goalkeeper made a diving stop on, that would've ultimately won Syracuse the game.
The lineup is also usually composed of players with college experience under their belt. But in the midfield, there have been two freshmen who have seen their name on the starting card for all four games.
Redshirt freshman Nick Olivetti and true freshman Raoul Meister have become key pieces to the Orange's midfield this season, starting all four games for Syracuse (3-0-1). The duo has provided solid minutes on the field for Syracuse this season and helped create scoring opportunities.
"Nick has been a nuts-and-bolts player who has done the work, rolled up his sleeves and made his way into some playing time," Foti said. "Raoul is very composed on the field, and he reads the game very well. He brings a lot of different dimensions in his ability to strike long balls over distances as well as to combine in shorter play."
Olivetti stepped into the starting lineup after redshirting last season because he was not in the mix for playing time and needed to work on his strength and endurance, Foti said.
During the summer, Olivetti devoted plenty of time to running and lifting regimens. He also kept active on the soccer field by playing with a club team, Super Nova, based out of Pennsylvania.
Foti said Olivetti might be the most improved player on the team from where he was at this point in the season to now. Olivetti is just pleased to get his chance on the field.
"I'm really happy with the opportunity to start and show how my hard work over the summer and stuff has paid off," Olivetti said. "I didn't really expect to step into the starting lineup, but after the scrimmages and pre-season, I guess I did that for me."
Foti also credited Olivetti's ability to be a simple player. Foti said he knows what he will get from Olivetti on a daily basis, and the midfielder has proved that he belongs on the field. The head coach cited Olivetti's performance against Colgate when he struck a powerful shot that the Raiders goalkeeper made a diving stop on, that would've ultimately won Syracuse the game.
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