Young Team, Same Goal: Nationals

EAST PEORIA — New faces in new places for the mens soccer team this year is the main story as they have kicked off their new season.

“We have a lot of new faces this year and they are still trying to get used to each other,” said Oz Bakirdan in his 13th year of coach at Illinois Central College. “We also have a lot of individual talent, [but] we aren’t quite playing to our potential yet.”

The Cougars (3-2) started the season ranked 7 in the preseason polls according to the NJCAA website. The Cougars started off by losing their first two games but now have reeled off three straight wins including an overtime victory on Sept. 3 against Southwestern Illinois College, all five games were on the road.

“Very challenging schedule this year,” Bakirdan said. “Honestly our schedule is tough we try and play teams that are nationally ranked every year.”

ICC has 16 freshmen on the team this year and the newcomers are highlighted by Pedro Ocampo, who scored the game winner in two of the three games.

“He works hard,” said Bakirdan about the freshman. “He is in the right place and finishes shots.”

ICC only returns four players from last year’s team, Norman Ramos, Gerrado Covarrubias, Deron Joe and Ibrahim Keita.

“They have a lot on their shoulders this year,” said Bakirdan.

Three players lead the team right now with two goals, Farzad Bidgood, Pedro Ocampo and Salomon Ocampo. Javier Valle, Bidgood and S. Ocampo lead the team with three assists.

This year includes a home game with big rival Lincoln College. Bakirdan seemed excited about getting them on the new home pitch and how to get his guys ready.

“Our region is very difficult and best in the country,” said Bakirdan. “We explain to them how much that game means. We also have a goal of not losing any home matches.”

The Cougars next three games are at home at the CougarPlex.

Check out the sports calendar for the upcoming mens home games.