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Prince George's Community College men's soccer coach Richard Todaro splits the soccer year up into five separate seasons.
The first season concluded for the Owls when they won their division of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. They finished the second season when they defeated the Community College of Baltimore County-Essex for the overall Maryland Junior College championship.
The third season comes to an end Saturday when the Owls play for the Region XX crown. They will face the winner of today's game between Anne Arundel Community College and Howard Community College. Saturday's regional final is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Howard Community College.
"We have a bunch of great guys that have good chemistry and enjoy playing our style of soccer," Todaro said. "We have got guys that are strong, talented and show a lot of heart and hustle. They are always putting the school and the team first."
A victory on Saturday by the Owls would give them a chance at the fourth season, which is playing for a chance to go the National Final Four at Herkimer Community College (N.Y.). If they win Saturday, the Owls would host the winner of the Region XIX title on Nov. 7 at Prince George's Community College. The winner of that game advances to the fifth season, which is a shot at a possible national championship.
But before the Owls begin thinking about a trip to upstate New York, they must first focus on Saturday's game.
Bowie High School graduate Terry Akupa, who has been a captain for PGCC for the past two years, said Todaro's approach to the season helps the players remain focused.
"If we have a bad first season, we can move on and focus on the next part," he said. "It allows us to keep playing and focus on the game and having fun."
The Owls have certainly had fun this season with a 13-2-1 record and a No. 9 ranking by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Adriel Garcia and Anthony Okodua are two of the Owls' primary offensive weapons. Garcia has 13 goals and seven assists, while Okodua has 14 goals and four assists. Largo graduate Nana Bamfo is a two-year captain and one of the leaders of the Owls' defense. Pat Todaro is one of the top junior college goalkeepers in the nation with a 0.94 goals against average.
"All of these guys are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing on the field and in the classroom," Richard Todaro said. "These guys realize that in order to be successful at the next level, they need to do the work."
E-mail Joshua Hudson at
jhudson@gazette.net.