August 24, 2004

Men’s Soccer Experiences European Football
Gulls Begin 2004 Preseason with 10-Day Trip to England, Scotland

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Salisbury - “I can’t put a price on the value of this experience for our team” is how Salisbury University’s Men’s Soccer Coach Gerry DiBartolo summarizes his squad’s recent overseas trip to Europe.  “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

The Sea Gulls began preparations for the 2004 season by spending 10 days in England and Scotland, combining training with four games against semi-pro teams. The Gulls also built time into the schedule for cultural experiences and some regular, old-fashioned tourism.

“We had three goals for this trip when we began the planning process,” explained DiBartolo. “We wanted to train and play games, we wanted to do some tourist things, and we wanted to experience the culture first hand.”

Part of the team’s cultural experience included attending two professional games. DiBartolo considers the Millwall-Leicester City match in London, amidst legions of passionate fans, one of his personal highlights from the trip.

“That was a great game and the fans were every bit as passionate, with chants and songs, as we were warned that they would be,” said DiBartolo.

The Sea Gulls played two games in each country, finishing 2-1-1. The tour operator helped identify teams that met the criteria DiBartolo had outlined in advance.  

“When considering the level of opponents, we wanted games that would be both challenging and competitive,” said DiBartolo. “We were exposed to different styles of play among the four teams that we faced, and we were forced to work hard in each game. I felt good about holding our own in the four games.”  

In addition to seeing sights like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Edinburgh Castle, DiBartolo says the experience was a wonderful way to begin his team’s soccer preparations for the 2004 campaign.

“This was a great bonding experience for a team that was already a close-knit unit even before the trip,” said DiBartolo, who had 22 players and a total travel party of 40 make the trip. “These guys really enjoy each other’s company, and at the same time, they were willing to explore new things and appreciate the rich history in that part of the world.”

Since returning, the Sea Gulls have begun their traditional preseason regimen of two- and three-a-day practices on campus. The incoming freshmen and transfers, who could not make the trip due to NCAA rules, have also joined the squad as preparations continue for SU’s September 1 season opener against Lynchburg.

Salisbury returns 20 lettermen from last year’s team, which finished 16-3-3 overall and advanced to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Sea Gulls, who have posted 12 straight winning seasons, will be trying to secure their fifth Capital Athletic Conference championship in six years in 2004.