Wesleyan University

WESLEYAN MEN'S SOCCER MAKES 12-DAY EXCURSION TO BRAZIL AUGUST 10-22
(Cardinals Follow-up Trip to Europe in 2002 With Journey to South America)

         Coming off a banner year in Wesleyan men's soccer history with a 2005 NESCAC tournament title, automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, a first-round NCAA win in overtime at Muhlenberg and an overtime loss to eventual repeat national champion Messiah, the Cardinals made their second international excursion in the last four years with a trip to Brazil August 10-22, 2006..
        Wesleyan men's soccer last ventured out of the country for international competition in August, 2002 when the team traveled to Great Britain for activity in England and Scotland.
        A contingent of 21 players, two coaches and a certified athletic trainer headed to San Paolo, Brazil Thursday, August 10 and arrived back in New York City Tuesday, August 22. While in Brazil, the team spent most of its time in Aguas de Lindoia. There the team trained for two days before playing the first of four exhibition games against local clubs and national "U" squads. The team also watched two professional games and spent a day white-water rafting as its key elements of recreation. Wesleyan went 1-3 in its exhibition games, winning its first game, 4-1, before dropping the final three, 4-2, 5-2, and 5-0. Matt Nevin '09 and Kyle Nuland '09 each had a pair of goals during the trip to spark the offense.
        The Cardinals begin defense of their NESCAC tournament title Saturday, Sept. 9 when the team travels to Williamstown, Mass. to take on perennial national power and 2004 NESCAC champion Williams. Wesleyan defeated Williams for the first time in 13 years with a 1-0 victory in the NESCAC tournament semi-finals hosted by Williams last November.

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SCENES FROM THE TRIP

The Cardinals in stretching mode prior to a game vs. Itapira, a 5-2 victory for the home squad. Matt Nevin '09 and Kyle Nuland '09 found the net for Wesleyan.

Itapira, a Division II team, warms up on the field prior to its game with Wesleyan.

The wonderful accommodations for Wesleyan at Oscar's Inn and Resort, where the Cardinals spent their first week of training.

Action during a futsol game, the indoor version of soccer in Brazil. The country seems lined with futsol courts!

The Cardinals prepare for their white-water rafting trip along some of the rapids of Brazil.

Taking in the countryside while a few brave Cardinals work on their tans during a day off from training. Crosses are a constant fixture in Brazil.