By Giacomo Fraioli | Newsreporter
JCU men’s soccer team has faced mixed results at the beginning of the Rome University Championship, with a win and a loss in their first two games. The team will face 12 other matches until March 5, 2025, in the Rome University Championship.
Coach Assistant Manuel Franceschi said that the team’s first match, a 1-0 loss to Rome City Institute on Oct. 24, showed areas for improvement. Despite playing well and hitting the crossbar twice, the team struggled to find the back of the net.
“We played well, but at times the ball just doesn’t go in,” said Franceschini. “We need to be more clinical in front of the goal.”
He said it’s important to tighten up their game to avoid losing opportunities in future matches.
The team bounced back with a 4-1 victory over UniCamillus in their second game on Nov. 5. The team capitalized on missed penalty kicks from their opponents and converted all their scoring chances.
“We’ve got to take our chances when they come, and we did that in the second game,” said Franceschini. “We’ve got a solid team, but we need to build consistency.”
Franceschi also said that while progress has been made, fitness remains an area for improvement, highlighting the need to adapt to the league’s physical demands and sustain intensity for the full 90 minutes.
As the season progresses, the team will also need to ensure they maintain their energy and focus, particularly in longer, more complicated matches.
“We’re improving, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said JCU Captain Matteo Bartolini, Marketing junior degree-seeker from Rome. “We need to keep pushing ourselves, especially when we have opportunities to finish.”
Bartolini, who has been with the team for over a year, said that leadership on the field and strong communication will be key to their success, echoing Coach Franceschini’s assessment.
The team’s roster features players from a variety of countries, creating a blend of cultures and playing styles.
Caden Chadwick, a Literature and Philosophy study abroad student at JCU from Boston, said he notices a difference in the tactical style of play in Rome.
“It’s different from back home, the game is more about technique and less about just being fast or strong,” said Chadwick. “It’s a big adjustment, but we’re starting to gel as a unit.”
Juan Gamboa, an Economics and Finance senior degree seeker form Cali, Colombia, said he struggled with language barriers and felt isolated early on.
“It was tough at first, especially with the language,” said Gamboa, who is still working on his Italian. “But it’s getting easier, and I’m learning a lot from my teammates and the coach. It’s a good group, and we support each other.”
Gamboa also said that the team has helped him not only improve on the field but also feel more connected off the field.
JCU soccer team is focused on improving with each game. Despite early challenges, they said they are confident that their teamwork, leadership, and determination will guide them through the season.
With Franceschini and Coach Ion Marian’s leadership and a committed group of players, they team says they aim to achieve success in the Rome University Championship and beyond.
For more information
- Email: athletics@johncabot.edu
- Gladiators website: gladiators.johncabot.edu
- Instagram: @jcugladiators
- Facebook: John Cabot University Athletics
- YouTube: John Cabot University Athletics
thematthewrome.com 