GOSHEN, Ind. - As the GC men's soccer 2023 schedule is announced, newly named head coach Dan Sullivan is hitting on three positive words that will be used frequently during the upcoming season - energy, effort and attitude. In fact, Sullivan is already emphasizing these words before the players are even on campus.

"Not to sound repetitive, just consistent, an area for growth we can all strive for is raising the level of positive energy, positive effort, and positive attitude," Sullivan said. "This applies to both athletics as well as academics. Not only do we want to see the group compete effectively on the pitch, but we also want to see our student-athletes succeed in the classroom." Sullivan was named interim head coach in late April and was elevated to the head coach role earlier today, June 30.

The team had two conference wins last year after a challenging nonconference schedule. While losing a significant piece in Lucas Bontreger, the Leafs have a solid group of returning and new players. Eli Simones is one of them. In his first collegiate season, he was only behind Bontreger in goals scored. Two goals came during a 3-3 tie with Mount Vernon Nazarene.

After a scrimmage against Ancilla, Goshen has home nonconference games against Olivet Nazarene, Lawrence Tech, Holy Cross College, Georgetown and Rochester. The first home Crossroads League game is on September 23 against Huntington, and they face Indiana Wesleyan on Homecoming Weekend - and mascot Dash's first birthday - on October 7. GC ends the regular season with back-to-back home games against Grace and Taylor on October 25 and 28.

Sullivan is excited to see the group grow together and find ways to maximize their potential. "Every one of us, player and coach alike, should be excited and appreciative that we have the opportunity to be involved in this sport, for this program, at this institution," he said. "The messages will be expected to carry over off the pitch and into the players' peer relationships, the classroom, and the community." Specific team outcome goals will be established when the team reports in August. "Energy, effort, and attitude will be recurring themes shared by the coaching staff and between the players themselves."

The Maple Leafs were close to success multiple times last season with five one-goal losses. At home on Homecoming Weekend, the Leafs lost to Bethel 1-0. The Pilots went on the be the NAIA Champions. Goshen is on the cusp of changing losses to ties and ties to wins. And what will it take to get there?

You guessed it. Positive energy, effort and attitude.