BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Men's Soccer team returned from its nine-day trip to Costa Rica in which the team took part in activities ranging from games against soccer clubs to whitewater rafting, all in the beautiful weather of the region.
The team flew out of Logan International Airport on Tuesday, May 25, arriving in Costa Rica late that evening. On the following day after a light breakfast, the Hawks went on a walking tour of Costa Rica's capital city of San Jose, where the team visited sights and attractions that included the National Museum, Supreme Court, and Central Park. From there, the Hawks took on Brujas, where the Hawks were defeated 5-0. The Brujas squad named senior Justin Plourde (Concord, N.H.) as RWU's game MVP.
On Thursday, May 27, the team took part in a community service project, working at a youth center and spending time with disadvantaged children of the area. Afterwards, the Hawks had a chance for some rest and relaxation by visiting the hot water springs of Baldi in addition to a series of pools surrounded by tropical gardens and wildlife. On the next day, the team spent a few hours going whitewater rafting before their second friendly of the trip, this time against San Carlos. Freshman Andres Daza (Farmington, Conn.) was chosen by San Carlos at the RWU MVP in the Hawks' 1-0 loss.
The Hawks spent the following Saturday and Sunday morning relaxing at the beach before their third friendly, in which the Hawks tied Liberia 1-1. Sophomore Liam Isleib (Killingworth, Conn.) scored the lone goal for RWU, while Liberia named freshman Ian McLaughlin (Chatham, N.J.) the Hawks' MVP after shutting them down in penalty kicks.
On Monday, the Hawks spent the day at the Conga Trail where they strapped on their harnesses and went on a rainforest canopy zipline tour. The next day as their last full day of the trip, the team had its final friendly against Carmelita, where the Hawks picked up a 3-1 win with sophomore #T.J. Petronis# (Breezy Point, N.Y.) scoring once and freshman Kamali Webson (Bellingham, Mass.) adding two. Junior Peter Plate (Commack, N.Y.) earned team MVP honors from Carmelita. On Wednesday, the Hawks woke up bright and early at 3:00 a.m. to prepare for their trip back to the States.
“The trip was fantastic; it was an exceptional team bonding opportunity,” said Head Coach Jim Cook. “The quality of the four games we played was good. The optional activities that we took part in were all superior to our previous trip in 2006. Every single kid said that this was the best trip that they've ever been on.”
View pictures from the trip by clicking here.
