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The top player in the nation, O'Brian White hopes to lead the Huskies deeper into the NCAA Tournament in search of a national title.

Soccer: Bracelets a reminder of ultimate goal

By: Kevin Vellturo

Posted: 8/28/08

Two words: "Unfinished Business." The phrase is engraved in the minds and on the wristbands the No. 2 Men's Soccer team wore after their 2007 season came to an abrupt end by way of a 1-0 loss to Virginia Tech in the NCAA quarterfinals at home. Since that time, the team has had nothing else on their minds but redemption. The players have also been eager to get back to prove themselves, none more so than Junior Midfielder Mike Pezza.

"It's felt like two weeks since the Virginia Tech game," said Pezza. "I'm pretty excited to get back in the grind."

Despite a No. 1 ranking heading into the postseason, 20 wins and winning both the Big East tournament and regular season title, head coach Ray Reid still feels the program fell short.

"We did come up empty last year," said Reid. "I give last years team a lot of credit, they were resilient and they did nothing wrong, but we did come up empty."

Since that time, the team has had one goal in mind, and that is to come through where they fell just short last year - the wrist bands have been good motivation.

"Ever since the end of that game everybody has been very motivated," said forward Akeem Priestley. "Our goal was to get back to that stage this year, and we need to much better this year."

Specifically, Priestley cited the team's mental toughness to carry them through.

"Last year was good, we played well against Virginia Tech but the field conditions were poor," said Priestley "but you can always get tougher mentally."

The team has since traded in the "Unfinished Business" bracelets for a new model, ones that embody the team's mindset as they begin their regular season Friday night at 7 against St. Peters. The bracelet says "Win the Next Game," and according to Pezza that's the mindset the team needs to maintain if they are to make it farther than last year.

"You can look toward the NCAA Final but we're not doing that," Pezza said. "we want to win each game at a time and just concentrate on the next one."

Sophomore goalkeeper Josh Ford echoed Pezza, adding that the bracelets add a sense of unity as well.

"It makes us feel like more of a team," Ford said. "You look down at the bracelet and see 'Win the Next Game' and realize we're all working towards the same goal."

Priestley also supported the bracelets.

"Always think about the game at hand, and when that one's over think about the next one." Priestley said. "It helped carry us last season."

Reid was adamant about not looking ahead of games and emphasized that it will be the key for success this year.

"We have a mature group and we just want to take it one game at a time," Reid said. "Last year's team is over, and we just want to grow this team."

St. Peters will prove to be a tough first test for the "next game" oriented Huskies.

"They're good, very organized." Reid said. "This will be a tough match opening night, but we'll be up to the challenge."

Kevin.Vellturo@UConn.edu