Senior forward Chris Thomas and midfielder Gabe Latigue led the Elon University Phoenix men’s soccer team in scoring last season, Thomas in goals and Latigue in assists. They were also both named to the preseason all-Southern Conference team.
But all they care about is what happened at the end of the 2011 season, an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, the first in Elon men’s soccer history.
“At the end of the year, we were doing all the things right, listening to our coaches, playing hard,” Thomas said. “Hopefully, we can begin that at the beginning of the season, instead of so late. And possibly, get an at-large bid.”
Thomas was named the conference player of the week twice last season and scored three game-winning goals, against Campbell University, Clemson University and Furman University. He took the selection with stride, focusing more on his team.
“It’s a great accomplishment, I’m glad that I was selected,” he said. “I’d much rather us be (ranked higher). I feel like we’re disrespected in this league, I’d rather be first or second.”
The same poll put Elon as the fourth-best team in the SoCon, something Latigue noticed as well.
“Obviously, it was pretty disappointing to see the ranking,” he said. “We didn’t necessarily have the strongest regular season last year. And I think that’s what we realized going into the playoffs, that we really needed to pick it up, that we weren’t where we were supposed to be. So that’s what we did during the playoffs and we were able to win the championship."
That focus on team is carried by head coach Darren Powell.
“We look at those guys,” he said. “They’ve worked hard and now they’re seniors and they’re going to graduate this December, which I think is massive. But as far as preseason selections, it’s preseason. I tell the guys all the time, it’s doesn’t matter where you’re written down at the start of the season, it’s where you’re at at the end of the season. Those guys need to concentrate on the game and getting better and improving for the program.”
Latigue echoes his coach’s sentiment.
“Preseason doesn’t necessarily describe where the end of the season’s going to go,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a good honor, but at the same time, I take it and that’s that, and keep steady, looking forward and ready to play come regular season.”
For the Phoenix to repeat as SoCon champions, Latigue and Thomas will need to keep on scoring and keep on setting an example, because their futures are at stake.
“They’ve got aspirations to play after college, so they need to make sure they continue to work at the game, put themselves in a good position to continue their playing career after this season,” Powell said.
But for now, the focus is on four letters, and reaching that goal this season. When asked about his expectations for the year, Thomas didn’t hesitate.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get a good enough record to get in the NCAAs without winning the (SoCon) tournament,” he said. “And the tournament will be a bonus.”