Augsburg’s Evan Fuhs Checks in from Spain – Installment #4
Augsburg men’s soccer assistant coach Evan Fuhs is blogging during the Auggies’ trip to Europe from May 3-13. For photos from the trip and more blogs, including thoughts from Augsburg student-athletes, go to the Augsburg men’s soccer website.
The picturesque city of Toledo taken by Evan Fuhs
On the trip to date, Augsburg has demonstrated an ability to step off the bus after a long day of traveling and put out the expected effort upon which the program is founded. Today though, that was not the case.
After a breathtaking day of culture and sightseeing in Toledo, the Auggies traveled another hour south and away from Madrid to Talavera de la Reina. As we arrived at the Union Deportiva Talavera’s complex, the club’s wonderful facilities foreshadowed the quality of hospitality they would show our team.
Disappointingly, the Auggies could not echo the quality of the facilities and hospitality with quality in their play. In particular, the team’s performance in the first half lacked the verve and effort that has become standard in Greg Holker’s Augsburg sides. A drab first half ended 0-0.
After a Holker-patented rousing halftime speech, the Auggies rallied in the second half. With the line lead by Chad Gilmer’s (FY, Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson HS) power and David Scheller’s (SO, Maple Grove, Minn.) pace, the Auggies threatened significantly more than the first half.
Nevertheless, the team conceded a penalty on a (close) handball call in the 85th minute. Nearly constant pressure from the Auggies after that turning point resulted in a number of scoring chances. In fact, Gilmer rose above the crowd to head a cross down so hard that it bounced off the firmer-than-standard turf and over the goal. Despite their newly applied efforts, the Auggies could not equalize and went do to a 1-0 loss.
With that hiccup out of our system, the Auggies look to rebound tomorrow with the final match of the tour.
The Auggies with their Toledo opponents.
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BQ, thanks for the interesting articles. Great way to see the world–and have fun playing soccer!
Ausgburg’s Mens Head Coach Greg Holker, as usual, has set up a great opportunity for these young men. I expect that they may not every appreciate fully until they are a bit older. But what a great way to work on the team building, and instilling a football passion amongst these young men.