Steve Barrett has heard the clichés as he continues to rebuild the Concord Men’s Soccer program.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
“Good things come to those who wait.”
“You’ve got to walk before you can run.”
But, in just the second year of the rejuvenated program, Barrett is also becoming all-too familiar with another truism – “You can’t win if you don’t score.”
The Mountain Lions’ offensive struggles continued Saturday, in a 4-0 WVIAC loss at Alderson-Broaddus.
It was Concord’s fifth consecutive loss – all by shutout.
The Mountain Lions haven’t scored in their last 463 minutes. The last Concord goal came with 13:00 left in a 2-1 comeback win at Bluefield College (VA) September 23.
“Unfortunately, it’s the same-old, same-old,” Barrett said after the visit to Philippi. “We’re solid up until the final third (of the field). Our defense is strong, we’re good in the middle, but we’re struggling in that final third.”
After Saturday’s loss to the Battlers, Concord’s record fell to 4-9, 1-6 in the WVIAC.
“Our attitude was great, really great,” Barrett said. “We kept battling and never gave up.”
By a quirk of the schedule, Concord isn’t due to play again until October 18. Barrett hopes the lull between matches will give his team a chance to improve.
“We’re going to work on that final third,” he said, “getting the ball to our forwards so they can make a play in the penalty area and score some goals.”
Concord will host Wheeling Jesuit on Sunday, October 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 pm EDT at Anderson Field.