Last week, Sean Topping reported on the first few days of the Muhlenberg men’s soccer trip to Barcelona. Internet issues prevented further updates from Spain, but now that the team is back in the United States, here is a summary of the rest of the trip, which included a pair of shutout wins:

Day 4: FC BARCELONA CAMP NOU STADIUM TOUR

Today we visited FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou, which seats 98,000 passionate fans. I can only imagine what this place looks like when they are playing rivals Real Madrid.

We saw the away team’s locker room, media room, press room and the Presidential box. After the stadium tour it was time to contribute to Barca’s success by spending money in their Superstore next to the stadium. The rest of the day the team had free time in Old Barcelona City.

Day 5: TRAINING/MONTSERRAT MONASTERY/GAME 2

Started off the morning training at UE Jupiter in a great little stadium with field turf in the middle of the city. It was a great training facility for the trip. 

After a quick shower, we were back on the bus for a trip to Montserrat Monastery, set atop a 4,000-ft. mountain, 7 miles long and 3.5 miles wide. Montserrat is one of the most important pilgrimage spots in Spain. Thousands travel here every year to see and touch the medieval statue of La Moreneta (The Black Virgin), the patron saint of Catalonia – it is especially popular for newly married couples to seek her blessing. 

The bus ride up to the monastery was quite interesting with the twisting and tight turns up the side of the mountain, not for those who don’t like heights. Once at the top you could go higher by taking the funicular ride up to the very top of the mountain. On a clear day you can see from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea.

After some hiking around the monastery it was off to our second game vs. UE Tarrega of the 3^rd Division of Catalonia. Tarrega had a small, very fast turf field, built for the Spanish great first touch.

Tarrega decided to start some of their younger players (similar age to our players), a decision that I’m sure their coach regrets. We jumped all over them with two set piece goals in the middle part of the first half.

Our first goal came off a corner kick with a feed to the feet of Danny Way, who calmly placed the ball in the corner of the net to take a 1-0 lead. Our second goal came minutes later when Bucky Aronoff struck a beautiful direct kick into the box to the onrushing Cody Antonini, who headed the ball into the back of the net. 

Jas Chojnowski made some big saves to keep the score 2-0 heading into half.

The second half was a different story as a whole new Tarrega lineup came out. We found out afterwards that these players where their actual starters.

You could tell immediately they were at a higher level and put us under immediate pressure for the first 15-20 minutes of the second half. We weathered the storm and ended up picking up a third goal late in the game off a PK, after Jeff Reinhart was fouled in the box while going to the goal. Antonini slotted home the PK for his second of the game to kill the game off. 

A very good victory for the Mules and first on Spanish soil. We found out the next day that Tarrega club members were tweeting about the game and result! 

Day 6: TRAINING/SITGES MEDITERRANEAN RESORT TOWN

We had a morning training session with a coach from La Liga Club FC Espanyol. Jamie Fernandez Molina, who spent time in the States at Binghamton University, was our coach for the morning session. It was great to watch our squad trained by our Spanish counterpart. You could see how his training sessions reflected directly how the Spanish play soccer. 

Next it was time to catch a train for a little fun at one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful resort towns, Sitges. It was a quick 25-minute train ride down the coast to this gem of a town. Many of Barcelona’s elite, including the area’s professional soccer players, choose to make Sitges their home.

Day 7: FIGUERES, SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM/GIRONA

We departed for Figueres, which is known for artist Salvador Dali and his museum. We spent two hours in the museum on a self-guided tour, but you could have spent the entire day trying to make sense of his work. Very interesting to say the least. Dali built the museum around his work, making for a great tour.

Next we were off to Girona, which is a northern Catalan city known for its tight alleyways and river that splits the Old City from the more modern part of the city. The boys had free time to roam around the city.  

Day 8: FUTSAL/OLD CITY FREE TIME/GAME 3

We started the day off walking down to the local university and taking over their outdoor futsal court (a small court meant for 5v5). The court was very slick and more time was spent trying to avoid falling on your butt than was playing soccer.

The parents and my wife took advantage of a light morning to get out of the city for a wine-tasting tour. A tour of the winery and instruction on how they make cava (champagne) followed by some taste testing sounded like a good time to me! 

The boys had some free time after training to find some souvenirs on La Rambla or down in the Old City.

Game 3 was actually a home game for us as we were playing at our training ground at UE Jupiter against Iberos FC of Madrid. Unfortunately they were no match for the Mules and we trounced Iberos 8-0.

Antonini had a couple goals, Nate Squire had a double, and Joey Roberts got in on the scoring with a very nice half volley. Goalies – Chojnowski, Nutovits and Pinto – kept a clean sheet for a second game in a row. It was a good confidence booster ending the trip thrashing the Spanish side.

Click here for video of two of the goals.

Day 9: TRAINING/BEACH/FAREWELL DINNER

We had our last training session of the trip this morning. The boys were in good spirits after the game the previous day. We ended the training session playing in a small caged field made for 5v5 games on field turf. Even the coaches jumped in a played a bit.

The group had some much-needed free time to end the trip. Many of the players headed back to the beach to sport their Muhlenberg red Speedos one last time! Others went searching for souvenirs for family and friends. 

My wife and I took time to head back to the Sagrada Familia to see the inside of the cathedral. We had been only around the outside with the squad and it looked too amazing not to see the inside of the cathedral. It did not disappoint as Gaudi designed the inside columns to look like trees branching out. Truly amazing architectural design. Words don’t do this cathedral justice. 

The group met up later on in the evening at a nicer restaurant off of the La Rambla strip for our farewell dinner of the trip. It was a nice evening to reflect on what we had done and seen over the last nine days. 

I believe all enjoyed the past nine days and will forever remember the memories we made in Barcelona. I would like to thank the Attanasios (Rob & Donna), Plifkas (Greg & Leslie), Todd Lehman, Chris Pachuta, AJ Barnold and last but not least my wife Kristen for helping keep the boys in line and making this a wonderful trip. 

Adios Amigos!

The Muhlenberg men’s soccer team is preparing for its upcoming season by spending 10 days in Barcelona. Head coach Sean Topping sent back the following recap of the first few days:

Day 1: ARRIVAL/ESPANYOL MATCH

After a long flight from JFK to Paris and then a sprint through customs we just barely got everyone aboard our connection to Barcelona. We finally arrived at our hotel at around 3:30 p.m. … A quick shower, a quick dinner, and then we boarded the bus to go watch a friendly between Espanyol and Montpellier HSC (French champions last year). 

It was an enjoyable match to watch, with the home team winning 2-0. The group was starting to fade during the match as many were caught falling asleep … After the match, we headed back to the hotel for some much-needed sleep.

Day 2: GAME/LA RAMBLA

After our much-needed sleep we were up early and off to our first match against U.E. Avia in Berga, about one hour outside Barcelona. The town of Berga was at the foot of a small mountain and was a picturesque setting. 

The field was a tight turf field that was very fast, not good when you’re playing the Spanish, who can move the ball quickly. We quickly found out that if we give the ball away we might not see it back for a while.

They were a professional team in the Spanish 5 division, where all of the players are paid a bit to play while also holding full-time jobs. We struggled to get a rhythm in the first half and gave up a goal after giving the ball away outside our box. We went down 2-0 after the referee (arbitro) gave a very soft direct kick just outside our box.

Needless to say we were happy to hear the halftime whistle. The second half started much better as we looked more relaxed and started to have some opportunities at goal. We cut the deficit in half when Chris Royer cut the ball inside and found Danny Way over top, who controlled the ball and slid it into the far corner underneath the GK for our first goal of the trip.

We pressed for an equalizer but it never came and so we lost 2-1 in a well-played match by both sides.

After the match we headed back to the hotel to change and then onto the metro and down to La Rambla (the main strip down to the water) for some dinner. My wife, assistant coach A.J. Barnold and I headed with some others down to check out the beach scene once arriving downtown. Needless to say the tapas food beachside did not disappoint! 

Day 3: GAUDI/OLYMPIC PARK/BEACH

Up early once again, the team went on a quick run to FC Barcelona’s stadium Camp Nou. After a quick shower, we were back on the bus for a city tour.

We drove past couple of Antoni Gaudi works of art (buildings he constructed). The architecture was amazing to see! Next on thetour was a stop at Park Guell, where Gaudi built most of the buildings and infrastructure in the park with interesting benches, hallways and more.

Next was a stop at the famous Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s cathedral that is still being built today and will not be finished until 2026, 100 years after his death. Back on the bus and the next stop was at the 1992 Olympic Stadium, where the opening and closing ceremonies took place overlooking the city. 

The team decided it was some time for some fun and so we spent three hours today at the beach, where to my surprise a few boys got into the European spirit and wore red speedos. Tonight we will be heading back downtown for a tapas dinner.

For our third installment of The Uniform Project, we take a look at men’s soccer, which made its varsity debut in 1943.

The men’s soccer uniforms did not have much in the way of markings until the late 1970s. Since the mid-1990s, the kicking Mule logo has been featured prominently on the jerseys.

And although the uniforms may have changed over the years, the success of the program has remained constant. The Mules enter 2012 with a streak of 26 straight non-losing seasons.

What team do you want us to feature next Thursday?

The third in our series of senior profiles is from men’s soccer. These profiles were never published in a program, as the Mules’ Senior Day was snowed out, and the site for the rescheduled game was moved to Ursinus.

Conor Choi

How rewarding is it to be playing a much bigger role as a senior? It’s always a comfort to know that I’m finally having an impact on the success of the team. I’m playing a new position, and it’s been very exciting being able to get more involved in the offense while still being able to help the defense out as well.

How did you choose theatre as your major? I got into theatre in high school. I took a drama history class, and my parents and the teacher encouraged me to audition for “West Side Story,” the winter musical at Hun that year. I got the part of Baby John and had a great experience, so I decided I would go out again the next winter, the only season when I wasn’t playing baseball, soccer or lacrosse. The next year, Hun did “Godspell,” which had a much smaller cast, so being selected to be one of the leads made me start thinking about trying to take theatre a little more seriously. I started taking more acting classes, and decided to stop playing lacrosse for the last two years at Hun so I could do the shows in the spring. Since I hadn’t had much of an issue with juggling both soccer and theatre in high school, choosing theatre as a major wasn’t a very difficult decision at all.

Do you feel that your dance and movement classes have helped you on the field? I do think that taking dance and movement courses for the past few semesters have had a great impact on my physical health, flexibility and strength. I highly recommend that all of the athletes at least give a dance class a shot because of how closely the two are related.

What are your future plans? My future plans are to attempt to break into the acting and/or music worlds and industries in whatever way possible.

What’s it been like being able to play four more years with your high school teammate, Steve Giannacio? Steve has always been one of the best and most intelligent players on the field, so getting to play with him for another four years has really been a great experience. On and off the field, I can always count on Steve to have my back. He’s been an exemplary teammate, and an even better friend, especially as we’ve gotten the opportunity to hang out and play for another four years.

Steve Giannacio

How would you describe yourself as a player? Someone who is constantly thinking a few plays ahead. I try to stress the importance of possession with my teammates.

You are such a loyal New Jersey native that you even took a writing seminar called “Springsteen’s America” at ’Berg. So what’s your favorite Boss tune? “Glory Days,” without question. I even made sure it was on the warmup CD for game days.

How did you decide to double major in accounting and business administration? After taking financial accounting, I became interested in learning more about the major. Once I began taking more courses within the major, I realized that many overlapped with the requirements for a business major. I chose business management to help expand my knowledge of the business world.

What are your future plans? I received, and accepted, an offer to work at Deloitte & Touche over the summer. I will be working out of the Princeton office.

What’s it been like being able to play four more years with your high school teammate, Conor Choi? Conor Choi is one of the most well-liked guys on the team. We have become much closer over the past four years. This year, he earned himself a key role on the team, and I could not be happier for him. It is well deserved.

Tim Leischner

What was it like getting to play a season in college with your brother? Well, our parents certainly enjoyed it, and playing a season with my big bro was a lot of fun. He showed me the ropes around Muhlenberg, and it definitely brought us much closer.

How was the experience studying abroad in Florence? It was amazing, literally a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I ate the best food in the world and traveled to parts of Europe that I may never get to see again. It was one of the best times of my life.

What off-the-field accomplishment are you most proud of? This is a very tough question to answer, but every year the soccer team hosts a soccer clinic for children with autism. Participating in events such as that and seeing the joy on some of the kids’ faces is truly a heart-warming feeling that I am very proud of.

What drew you to accounting and finance as your majors? I was always intrigued with accounting, mainly because my father is a CPA, and it is basically the foundation of all business. My interests also extend to the stock market and investing, so I double majored in finance.

What are your future plans? After graduation, I will most likely working at a small CPA firm in New York City.

What kind of teammate is Josh Luginbuhl? Exceptional. On the field, Lugi is an exceptional role model, which is why the players and coaching staff voted him as one of the team captains. Thanks to his outstanding work ethic, he may surprise opponents with his famous lefty shot. Off the field, he is an exceptional friend and someone who I can trust with anything. He is, without a doubt, one of my best friends.

Josh Luginbuhl

What has being a captain meant to you? I’m honored to be one, but it honestly doesn’t feel that much different. I’m not a very vocal leader, so I try to work hard and lead by example.

What’s the most memorable moment from your Mule career? My most memorable moment so far has to be scoring the game-winning goal against Stevens Tech in double overtime in the NCAA Tournament and then hosting the “Sweet 16” last year. It was a truly awesome experience.

What made you choose biology as your major? I’ve always been a science guy and wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. So studying biology just always seemed like the perfect fit.

What was it like interning at St. Luke’s Hospital? It was really exciting. I was able to see things that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. You can only learn so much from books; being in the operating room is 100 times better.

What are your future plans? My future plans are to continue my education to pursue a career in medicine.

What’s Tim Leischner like off the field? If you think Tim Leischner is an animal on the field, you should see him off of it. His flow is second to none, and he takes great pride in that. I can only hope that one day my hair will be as cool as Tim’s. But seriously, Tim is an all-around great guy and one of my closest friends. 

A couple of weeks ago, we ran excerpts from the senior profiles that ran in the Senior Night programs for the volleyball team. Today, we take a closer look at the five seniors on the women’s soccer team.

Nicolette Miller

What’s the most memorable moment from your Mule career? Winning seven straight games, hosting the Centennial Conference tournament and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament my sophomore year.

What’s it mean to you that you rank in the top 10 in school history in every offensive category and have started all but one game in your career? It’s pretty cool to be in the top 10 in those categories. It’s neat to have something like that to reflect on all the hard work I’ve put in the last four years. As for starting all but one game, I played my junior season with a broken finger and half my senior season with a really bad ankle. You gotta do what you gotta do.

What are your future plans? Hopefully working in sports media, or possibly going to grad school.

What’s it been like playing with Meghan O’Grady? I met Meg the night before our first preseason practice as freshmen … We joke now that our first impressions of each other both led us to believe that we were both “too cool” to ever become friends. But almost four years later, she’s not only my roommate, but my best friend, sister and even “mom” in many cases (she hates when I say that) … I’ve been lucky to make such an incredible friend and even luckier that I got to play soccer with her. It’s been an amazing four years.

Meghan O’Grady

What was it like playing soccer in Ireland? Playing soccer with Nicolette at the University of Limerick was much different than playing at ’Berg. The team was very successful, and there were some very good players, but it was much more laid back (just like the Irish culture) compared to what we are used to. Despite the casual atmosphere of the overall soccer program, we ended up going to the National Intervarsity Tournament where we faced the other top universities in Ireland. Our team won the championship for the fourth straight year, so Nic and I can proudly say we won a national championship in our four years of college 🙂

What was it like getting to play in college with two of your sisters? Meeting my sisters back on the field after two years of not playing with them was an exciting experience. Since the time we first started playing soccer until they graduated high school, we had always been on the same team, so playing with them in college felt very natural. I enjoyed having two years of high school and college as the only O’Grady, however I am happy that I had the opportunity to experience the college game with them.

What are your future plans? I would like to attend law school within a year or two of graduation. I am looking into applying this year, but am also looking at opportunities to take a year off before going.

What kind of teammate is Nicolette Miller? Nicolette has been a teammate who has always pushed me to do better. Her work ethic on the field makes me, and the rest of the team, want to work just as hard. Playing the same position, Nicolette and I have been able to learn from one another. Each of us is unique in the way we play and are able to complement each other with our individual strengths, while also giving advice to make each other better.

Michele Toher

When did you start wearing your distinctive orange jersey? I started to wear orange in middle school, and it just became my color. The jersey I wear now has been with me since my sophomore year of high school, and I have worn it in almost every game since.

What’s the best thing about being a goalie? I love the thrill and aggressive aspect of playing goalie. Nothing feels better than making a big save to keep my team in the game.

What are your future plans? I plan on going to law school.

What kind of person is Jamie Weiss? Jamie Weiss is someone who I admire for her strength and will power. After tearing her ACL, she has done nothing but work hard to get back on the field. She has been a major contributor to the team every time she steps on the field, and it has truly been a pleasure to play with someone like Jamie.

Jamie Weiss

How good did it feel getting back on the field after being injured last year? Stepping onto the field against McDaniel with the bench and fans cheering loudly is a moment I will never forget. I was anxious, overwhelmed and really excited actually being back in a real game. Soon after I got in, I passed my first ball (we’ll say it was a great one!), and all the nerves left. I loved being out there again!

What off-the-field accomplishment are you most proud of? My perfection of the two-handed hug with coach! We have practiced on several occasions, and it is getting pretty natural, which is a huge accomplishment!

What are your future plans? Stay at Muhlenberg forever! But if they force me to graduate, I am looking to apply to physician’s assistant graduate programs and pursue a career as an orthopedic assistant.

What has Rachel Zarkin brought to the team this year? The better question is what has Rachel not brought to the team? … Within about 30 seconds of Rachel meeting the team at JFK Airport (very, very early in the morning), everyone forgot she was new. Not only has Rachel been an awesome addition to the team as a player, but she has also been a personal gain for everyone, because I can confidently say that everyone has made a new friend. The season definitely would not have been the same without her.

Rachel Zarkin

What made you decide to come out for the team this fall? I missed being part of a team and the competitive atmosphere. I was originally going to play my freshman year but decided to take a break from soccer to experience things I never had the time for in high school. I didn’t want to graduate regretting anything, and a large part of me wished I was still playing soccer, so I joined the soccer team!

What off-the-field accomplishment are you most proud of? My junior year I was a civic fellow through the Office of Community Engagement, and part of my fellowship was to volunteer at an organization and help improve it in some way. I decided to work at the Allentown Health Bureau to help expand a program called Shape It Up, a local elementary after-school program. The program is targeted at kids who are overweight and tries to help get them motivated to work out and have fun while doing so. The program is still running and open for any Muhlenberg student who would like to volunteer.

What are your future plans? I’m not really sure yet. I eventually hope to get a job, but before that I want to do something different (travel, work abroad, volunteer, etc.). So we shall see …

What’s Michele Toher like as a teammate? She’s an awesome teammate. She is definitely someone who leads by example and works hard every time she steps onto the field. And she’s so freaking good; it’s a little ridiculous!