MEN'S SOCCER DAILY UPDATE

November 7, 2008

The Three-Team Game

In Paul Marco's first year as the Binghamton men's soccer coach, he was looking for activities to increase the competitive spirit of the team. One such idea was called the Three-Team Game and over the ensuing seven years, it has become a tradition, especially during the postseason.

"We had a problem in 2002 when the guys weren't as competitive as they needed to be," Marco said. "They were playing good soccer but they weren't trying to win. So we put in a couple of activities that highlight competitive spirit, winning and playing to win. One of those activities was the Three-Team Game, which has become a tradition. Our guys are out before training and sometimes you'll even see the coaching staff jump in for a game or two."

In the Three-Team Game, the squad divides into three groups. Two groups at a time play on half a field with the first goal ending the game. The winner faces the third team while the loser sits out. The action keeps going and the team that keeps winning continues to play.

Before the start of training, especially during the postseason, the Bearcats arrive at the field early and start playing the Three-Team Game. For the players, the Three-Team Game has its advantages.

"We like to come out early during the postseason and play the Three-Team Game," senior midfielder Justin Leskow said. "It's a bit more competitive. Your touches have to be a lot cleaner and it helps get you warmed up for the training session."

"It eases some of the stress during the postseason," senior midfielder Ryan Tomko said. "It let's us get out there and move the ball around a lot before we work on the tactical things during training."

"It's great way to get your legs warmed up and get you excited to play," junior midfielder Brendan McGovern said. "It also lets us have a good time. There are obviously things we try in the Three-Team Game that we wouldn't do during an actual game."

When the coaching staff arrives at training, they have been known to jump right in the games. The players have little doubt as to who the most competitive one of them is.

"Definitely John Scott," McGovern said. "Even when he was hurt two years ago, he was still the best player out there on the field."

Marco, however, disagrees with that assessment.

"There's no chance," he said. "John probably is a close second to me. In fact, I wait and see what the teams are and see who I want to play with. I try and find and find the guys who only care about winning. Sometimes that might not be the most talented guys but in the Three-Team Game it's pretty clear who wants to win and who doesn't."

There is, however, one draw back to the Three-Team Game. Sometimes the players and coaches have so much fun that the time seems to go by too quickly.

"Sometimes the Three-Team Game will go on a little bit longer than we planned it to," Marco said. "It's because the guys are enjoying themselves so much."

Posted November 7, 2008. 10 a.m.
Feedback should be sent to dobrian@binghamton.edu.