Matt Weir / The Collegian

Even after an open tryout, coach Zwaschka can̢۪t fill roster

No wins. No goals. No player to fill the open spot. Thursday̢۪s women̢۪s soccer open tryout fell short of finding a much-needed attacker.

About a dozen women came to try out for the 25th and last spot on the team. Three of them were not allowed to even try out because of not taking a physical prior to the tryouts.

Dominique Haddad, 17, was one of the women to find out that a physical was needed to join in the open tryout.

“I just found out about the tryouts today,â€Â Haddad said. “We needed a physical from a [medical doctor] M.D.â€Â

Haddad played soccer in high school for four years. Even though she couldn̢۪t participate in the practice, she stayed for the entire time and chased after balls that were kicked wide of the goal, helping the team.

The participants that did have the physical tried out under the high, hot sun on the soccer practice field.

Junior Sara Cerkueira, 21, a participant in the tryout, wanted a shot at the team.

“I played for a long time and wanted to get back to it,â€Â Cerkueira said.

The ages of the participants ranged, just like those on the current roster.

Freshmen Kelsey Terrel, 18, had fun at the tryout and got to meet new people. She learned how to get ready for another attempt – if it comes around.

“It was a good workout and you know what to prepare for next year,â€Â Terrel said.

The tryout also included members of the soccer team. The team members practiced with head coach Brian Zwaschka and the others did drills with assistant coach Kevin Botterill.

After drills took place, both groups got together to have a practice game. The field was not set up to regulation, but did have goals at both ends. Each team had a mix of Bulldogs and those hoping to make the team.

The mini-game even had a halftime, where the players were given a chance to get water and mingle. At this time, the coaches got to talk about the players̢۪ abilities.

After the water break, the two teams switched sides and then kept playing. The players were communicating with each other, just like in a real game, but the game didn̢۪t have the regulation time of 90 minutes.

The mock game ended with a cool down of stretching. The two coaches got together again and talked about what they saw. Botterill got a close look at the players by goalkeeping in the mock game.

The cool down ended with the Bulldogs putting the equipment back, while those trying out had a talk with Botterill.

The tryout started at 4 p.m. and by 5 p.m. the coaches had made their decision. No one made the team.

“They basically said ‘Thanks, but no thanks’,â€Â Cerkueira said.

Coach Zwaschka left the field looking tired. The team was unsuccessful with finding that last member. The comparison from the current members made the decision easier for the coach.
“Clearly the kids from our session were the best out there,â€Â Zwaschka said.