Men’s soccer preseason Q&A: Raphael Sefriou

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Sept. 14, 2020) – Milligan University men's soccer is eager to bounce back this season, and while preseason comes to a close, senior Raphael Sefriou shares some personal and team goals for this upcoming year.

Finishing with a 6-11 (5-6 Appalachian Athletic Conference) record last season, the Buffs scored a total of 46 goals. Sefriou and fellow senior leaders Robell Habte, Andre Levarity and Luis De La Torre aim for more accomplishments this season and are setting their sights on postseason play.

Below, Sefriou discusses preseason goals for this upcoming season and overall outlook on the team.

Q: How has preseason been going?

I think it has been one of the longest preseasons I have ever had, meaning that it gives us the opportunity to be better prepared for the upcoming season. We have been working really hard and pushing ourselves, and I am sure that everyone can say that they are seeing improvements because of this preseason.

Q: What are some of your team's goals this season?

Team goals for me would be to win the most games possible... I really want to win all of them to secure the national championship straight away. It is my last year, so for me making it the best season of my college career would be amazing. We want to accomplish things that haven't been accomplished by the program before and things that have been accomplished a long time ago. We want to make this year something special for the program.

Q: What are some of your individual goals this season?

My individual goal this season is just to improve the best I can as a player but also as a teammate. I need to get rid of my lazy habits and grow a lot as a team player. I am trying to really focus on the team and on the present moment to make sure I am getting the most out of it. Personal prizes or rewards are not worth anything for me if we do not accomplish anything as a team.

Q: How does this year's team compare to last year's team? In what ways are you better?

I feel like this group has something special compared to last year. I feel like players are more on the same page. We form a real unit and that can make us stronger. I think we will be better at both the offensive and the defensive side of the game. Our new system is adapted to the kind of players that we have and it is highlighting the strength of every player. Offensively, we are more energetic as a unit and defensively, we form a strong defensive block.

Q: How do you think the team will adjust to the shortened season and conference only schedule?

I think with the big preseason that we have and the seriousness that every player has been showing will benefit us. We do not have a place for mistakes this season. We need to be ready to go from the first game and perform all the way to the last one. I think we will be more than ready and I think we are going to do some damage this season. We are going to surprise more than one team, and I cannot wait to see us on top of that ranking board.