The first-ever non-traditional season for the Colorado College men's soccer program appears to have been a huge success.
 
While the final verdict won't be known until the fall, the evidence indicates the Tigers made the most of 15 practices allowed by the NCAA during the five-week period.
 
“The guys wanted to participate in a structured environment and really looked forward to it,” head coach Horst Richardson said. “In the past, they got together on their own to kick the ball around and scheduled a scrimmage or two, based upon the leadership of that particular year. Sometimes it worked well and other times nothing happened.”
 
For Richardson and his staff, the No. 1 priority was to identify and implement the style of play that CC will use during the 2012 campaign next fall.
 
“The non-traditional season allows us to set parameters for the upcoming season, especially in regards to tactics,” Richardson said. “We tried to discover what we would like to do, as well as what we are capable of doing.”
 
It didn't take long for the evidence to indicate his team was on the right track.
 
After only six training sessions, the Tigers overcame a two-goal deficit to record a 3-2 victory over the reigning NCAA Division II champion, Fort Lewis College on Sunday, April 15, at Stewart Field.
 
Despite playing three 30-minute periods instead of two 45-minute halves, both sides took the exhibition game very seriously.
 
The Skyhawks, who posted a 24-1 record last fall, scored twice during the middle period.
 
Junior forward Matt Fechter started CC's rally when he converted on a penalty kick early in the third stanza, and sophomore forward Sean Parham struck for a pair of goals to complete the come-from-behind victory.
 
“That win was a huge success in terms of morale and it's something we can build on,” Richardson said. “It proved we can be competitive with any side we play.”
 
Energized by the victory over Fort Lewis, the Tigers continued to refine their tactics and work on technical training.
 
“James Wagenschutz did a wonderful job of implementing and running our practices,” said Richardson, who was on jury duty during most of the spring season.
 
One date Richardson did not miss was the annual alumni game on May 5.
 
The alums got goals from Matt Samson and Brian Tafel, but freshman forward Stuart Beezley struck for a hat trick to lead the current CC side to a 5-2 victory.
 
Most of the participating alums – such as Trevor Cobb, Ben Hancock and Berk Korustan – were from the last 10 years, but there also was a significant presence of former stars including Steve Andrews, Andre Zarb-Cousin, Tom McKenzie, John Roberts and Kweku Sagoe.
 
“It was a festive affair that concluded with a party at the home of former captain and Alumni Director Jay Engeln,” Richardson said. “We will continue to play the alumni game the day before the Quony Cup on the first weekend in May.”
 
Despite missing three key players due to study-abroad programs in Brazil and Israel, as well as one who was in Hollywood, the Tigers made the most of their additional practice time and are well prepared for this summer's trip to Eastern Europe.
 
“It's never perfect because there are always unexpected situations,” Richardson said. “That's the liberal arts setting, which I fully support. We encourage the student-athletes to take advantage of their academic opportunities while the rest of the team has the chance to train.
 
“The non-traditional season was most productive for those players who were on campus and fully engaged. We grew tactically and mentally.”