SJU soccer records first MIAC win over Hamline

The St. John’s soccer team faced off against Hamline last Saturday at Haws Field. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the team stormed back to claim a 3-1 win.

The win gave SJU their first conference win and increased their record to 4-2-1. This came after a 5-1 defeat at No. 23 ranked Macalester. Head coach John Haws is optimistic for the team’s season.

“When we are emotionally engaged and working for each other, we have shown that we can be a dangerous and effective team,” Haws said via email. “When we are buzzing, positive, and engaged, we are a dangerous side.”

Haws emphasized that the players must earn all their playing time, which is a key element of their success. He said SJU finds its success through passion and determination.

“I’ve seen a high level of resilience from the boys and a growing belief in our brand of soccer being capable of carrying the day against top programs in the region,” Haws said. “Belief can be fickle, but it is growing right now in the Johnnie soccer family.”

Senior midfielder Cole Ober says that the team has built a community around determination.

“We really fight for each other. . . If things aren’t going well, we really make an effort to try and fix things or improve. . . Our determination, our fire,” Ober said.

This determination fuels the team to improve day in and day out. The team has a total of 44 players, 19 of which are sophomores and 14 of which are first-years. Because of this, SJU has looked to its seniors to step into a leadership role.

While being in the minority, the SJU seniors have stepped up to help develop the younger players, both on and off the field. The team believes that their future is bright with new talent.

Two-time All-Academic MIAC midfielder Jack Simonet strives to be a role model for the younger players, remembering how overwhelming his own experience was as a first-year.

“I try to lead by example by showing up on time, respecting the time of my coaches and trainers and staying on top of my schoolwork in a hope that it trickles down to the actions of these guys. Connecting with the guys outside of practice has also allowed me to get to know the guys on a more personal level,” Simonet said via email. “This has helped me translate ways to communicate with and influence my teammates in a positive manner on the soccer field.”

Haws and his players have high expectations for this year. The team looks to get back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005.

“Our goals are simple, though not easy. We are endeavoring to finish as highly in the regular season table as we can to make our path through the MIAC tournament and into the Big Dance of the NCAA’s as direct and favored as possible,” Haws said.

The team is looking to continue their momentum this Saturday at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s in Winona, Minn.