Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

God Loves Soccer and So Do I

God Loves Soccer and So Do I

By Dorothy Johnson

It’s a little known fact that I actually played soccer as a kid. I mean the vibrant career of Dorothy “Miss Pele” Johnson lasted two exhausting seasons with the “Little Ladies” and “Orange Crush.” My coach considered me a “versatile” player who “fits in anywhere,” which, translated, means, “Dot, you go in when the taller goliaths in the second grade get hurt or need water.” In any case, at the tender age of nine I took off my cleats for the last time to take my place as the second grade “steal the bacon” team captain. Thoughts of soccer slowly faded away until I began school at Georgetown.

In high school I often ventured to Georgetown to get a bite to eat at Fast Break and would hear the distant clamoring of the esteemed “Pots n’ Spoons,” and I knew exactly what they were cheering for. While many students feel that Georgetown lacks school spirit, there is a team at Georgetown that brings students out and gets them on their feet. This attitude bothers me because I have concluded that criticism of Georgetown’s spirit level actually means, “I have never seen Harbin Field, nor have I attended any sporting event there.”

It’s truly unfortunate. The fact that many students weren’t able to put their Playstation controllers down for an hour or make the trek from Burleith is sad. I know it is difficult to turn Jerry Springer off. I, too, have trouble tearing myself away from exciting GUSA constitutional debates, but the students who sucked it up and made it out to see our guys play caught one of the best soccer seasons in Georgetown history.

If you couldn’t muster the strength to exit your 2,000th Bond game, you missed some great moments down at Harbin Field. Whether it was Peter Bachmann’s (COL ’00) incredible return to the field after last season’s almost career-ending injury, Tyler Purtill’s (COL ’00) consistent brickwall goaltending or Mert Incekera’s (SFS ’00) lightning fast breakaways, Coach Keith “The Man, The Myth, The Legend” Tabatznik produced a team that left this Hoya exhausted after every game. Because of soccer I have gotten to know both a Norwegian Viking and a Turk. I have banged pots, made friends with “soccer moms” and ventured into the bowels of West Virginia and New Jersey.

This year, Georgetown’s Athletic Department proved that its worth is not only measured by the success of its basketball season. Georgetown athletics have been unreal this year, and the men’s soccer team is evidence to this fact. Where else can you watch a team come from a 4-0 deficit, twice, to beat their opponents 5-4 in overtime? Where else can you watch freshmen like ark Manning (MSB ’02), Nate Port (MSB ’02) and Kenny “Money” Owens (COL ’02) wipe the floor with senior opposition? Nowhere. This season I learned that Kvello equals goal, that my first born will be named Truls and that Partenza is a code name for “watch me whoop you.” And, although I was not at their final contest at Rutgers, my heart was with captains Billy Bednarz (COL ’99), Eric Kvello (MSB ’99) and Jeremy McKitrick (MSB ’99) as they exited the field for the last time.

But you haven’t missed out completely, because next year Georgetown will take the field again. Only losing three seniors, Georgetown will be stacked with a solid crew, with talented players such as Dennis “D” Scott (MSB ’00), James Andretta (COL ’00), Matt Jokl (COL ’00) and Kevin McAnally (COL ’00) seeing plenty of playing time. The Hoyas will additionally thrive from strong sophomores such as Kyle Rakow (COL ’01), Jeff Boehling (MSB ’01), and Charles “Bubba” Beyers (MSB ’01).

I thank you boys and coaches for a great season. Your efforts brought soccer back into my life and spirit to Georgetown. For the fans that frequented Harbin Field, I’ll see you next season. For those who missed out this year, here’s some advice. Next year, skip chicken finger day at New South and tape your favorite soap. Don’t be afraid of the memories, anxiously await the fervor you will feel when Georgetown’s finest takes the field. Live vicariously, because Georgetown soccer and Georgetown athletics as a whole are only getting better.

Dorothy Johnson is a junior in the College.

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