It’s about as diverse as yin and yang; Tim Marchisotto and Ty Callahan are not at a common ground. Neither is the team. This contrast is currently a monkey on the back of Arizona State’s men’s soccer team.
The team’s current standing this semester is unsure. Tim Marchisotto, the team’s coach for the past three seasons, has rebuilt the Sun Devils — a mini-dynasty even. No, they had not netted consecutive national championships but what they have done in that span is successfully get to that point. They made the appearance last year by winning their conference. Appearances were consistent.
That loss last season, though, might have very well marked the decline of the team; however, it is too early to tell. Their withstanding has seems to be on the decline — their roster has become scarce with 14 total players, and Marchisotto bid adieu to begin this semester.
Not to demean Marchisotto; Callahan might be indifferent to the team’s current status but they had a relationship that helped build the team wholly. Callahan, the team’s captain, says he believed “through Tim's vision.”
“(Through the vision) we have begun to progress toward a year-round program, not only focused on winning and losing but on the other aspects that make up any successful club,” Callahan said in an e-mail. Callahan is a junior double-majoring in chemical engineering and philosophy.
Marchisotto aimed to develop the team into “tier one” status this year. He did not intend to resign; time restrictions were the case. He might have personally seen time limitations but now, looking at his former team, Marchisotto sees limited time for their development this spring.
“We’re in a transition period. We’re struggling to get players; we don’t have the participation that we need. We’re not where we should be. It’s put a lot of things in jeopardy,” Marchisotto said in a phone interview.
According to Marchisotto, many of his potential players did not return because of the increase in dues. In the fall, players had to pay $700, and now an extra $210 this spring. What he did not understand is: if the players couldn’t afford the semester, then why didn’t they participate in the fundraisers held by the team? This could have dropped the overall price.
Marchisotto was confused by that like the team is now confused with where they stand.
The team’s spring semester is at a halt, literally. The team had taken this past week off to regroup and they have already cancelled opening games to their season. According to Marchisotto, it will be “highly unlikely” that the team will reach that tier-one level, and they just need to embrace the rebuilding stage.
This is where Callahan says he disagrees. His goal is still to “not only place first in the conference, but win the conference championship and advance to nationals.” Maybe that’s just optimism for the sake of good leadership.
Whatever it may be, Callahan still looks ahead to next fall.
“If we have a core group of players that is united moving forward, I think we can have a very successful season next fall,” Callahan said.
This semester might be in shambles for the team for now. Their rebuilding process and how quickly they can bounce back—if even possible—will determine their outcome for this spring.
Looking ahead might be favorable at this point. In time there is the possibility to move forward with a more stable system, and there is a possibility of more active players on the roster. It could be another “Marchisotto effect.”
“We’re kind of doing a do-over,” Marchisotto said. “We lose this season.”
It’s that or by “consistently training I think we will be able to build easily on our success from last season with this core group of players.” Callahan says he believes in a can-do situation.
Either Marchisotto or Callahan—one will be surprised.
You can reach me at bcapria@asu.edu.