NPSL Top Teams: Undefeated Milwaukee Torrent
Top NPSL Teams Spotlight: Milwaukee Torrent — one of National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) expansion teams for the season — continue its 2016 campaign this weekend against the Chicago Mustangs. Milwaukee kicked off its inaugural season with an undefeated record to date with playoffs not scheduled for this season due to the Midwest Central Conference forming late.
SoccerToday spoke with Milwaukee’s Andreas Davi about the success of the club over the past season and what the preparation was like.
Soccer News: The Milwaukee Torrent’s 2016 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) campaign comes to a close with two matches remaining for the expansion side. Milwaukee has been crowned Midwest Central Division Champions for the 2016 season as the club’s undefeated record remains alive heading into the weekend. The Torrent will not participate in playoffs due to the conference forming late in the year as schedules were already set for the NPSL.
The Numbers: Milwaukee Torrent’s record is 5 wins and 0 losses – 15 points, earning 3 shutouts so far with a total of 25 goals scored.
Next Match: Saturday, July 23rd at Uihlein Soccer Park at 6:00 p.m.: Milwaukee Torrent host the Chicago Mustangs.
SoccerToday asked Milwaukee Torrent’s Andreas Davi why his team is performing so well – here are the Head Coach’s insights:
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your record this season?
Andreas Davi: We are 5-0 in the NPSL and won the Midwest Central Division.
Diane Scavuzzo: How many shutouts have you earned?
Andreas Davi: We recorded three shutouts this season.
Diane Scavuzzo: How many total goals has the Milwaukee Torrent scored?
Andreas Davi: We tallied a total of 25 goals in 2016.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who are your top three goal scorers?
Andreas Davi: Milwaukee Torrent’s top goal scorers are James Weber who scored 9 goals; and Declan Rodriguez Ian Bennett who each recored 5 goals.
Diane Scavuzzo: Describe your top goalie – what are his strengths?
Andreas Davi: Milwaukee Torrent’s top goalie is Nick Barry – he made some saves that could turn the game. He’s not getting many shots on goal because of our strong defense but he is there when you need him.
Diane Scavuzzo: What has made your team so successful?
Andreas Davi: I think the hunger for pro soccer and the amount of quality in Wisconsin. Teamwork and camaraderie is also big for me as a coach and the team shows it on and off the field.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals for this season?
Andreas Davi: Winning the division and to establish the Torrent as a brand new entity. We reached our goals.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your team’s training schedule?
Andreas Davi: We practice from Monday through Thursday for 90 minutes.
Diane Scavuzzo: How many players were dropped / picked up from the beginning of the season?
Andreas Davi: We picked up one player four days before our first game and dropped no one in the season. We have a roster of 21 soccer players.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you believe your team could beat a MLS team? A team you select.
Andreas Davi: You can beat anybody, it all depends on the circumstances.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is special about your coaching philosophy?
Andreas Davi: As a German coach, I focus a lot about tactical stuff. In these days, it’s very important to adapt your system to every game situation.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long has your team been in the NPSL?
Andreas Davi: The is the Torrents’ first season.
Diane Scavuzzo: How long has your head coach been coaching?
Andreas Davi: I’m the owner and head coach – so also first season.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is your average attendance?
Andreas Davi: So far between 700-1000.
Diane Scavuzzo: How important are the fans to your players?
Andreas Davi: Very important; they love the support from the fans. It’s not normal to get that many fans in college so everybody enjoys it and we are trying to be as close as possible to our fans.
Diane Scavuzzo: How have you used social media this season?
Andreas Davi: We are using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, Periscope and we also stream our games on audio.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your biggest rival/or what game are you most looking forward to?
Andreas Davi: The Chicago games are cool, we play them this Saturday again.
