“[The Italian teams] were more direct in terms of goal scoring,” Nichols says. “They hit the ball out of the air a lot more. They were fast, strong, and all very skillful on an individual level.”

The opposition also applied unfamiliar tactics usually absent from the American collegiate circuit, such as marking man-on-man and deliberately pulling players offside.

But there were also aspects in which the players feel the Crimson had an edge.

“My impression was that we had a more tactically cohesive team,” Nichols observes. “I was also struck by how silent the other teams were. Usually, we try to communicate a lot on the field, but we really didn’t hear that coming from the other side.”

And it simply wouldn’t be an international soccer match without a little controversy.

“The officiating was interesting in each of the games,” Leone says. “One game was especially funny—the referees just decided to add four minutes to the game clock [for no apparent reason].”

All things considered, competing in Italy has now given the Crimson distinct advantages right as it prepares to enter the spring.

“Because of the trip, we were able to get in five extra practices and three extra games,” Leone says. “It’s nice that even before we enter spring training, we already have that under our belt.”

Though the players appreciate further honing their skills, they are equally grateful for getting to bond with old and new friends on the team.

“Trust and comfort in relationships translate onto the field,” Nichols stresses. “A healthier team community will open up doors for success. Mostly, I’ll remember and value this trip not so much for Italy, but because I got to spend it with my friends.”