Like any coach, Ralph Lundy cares about wins and losses.

But for the College of Charleston men's soccer coach, it's not really about that.

It's about providing players with opportunities.

In the past, he does just that.

And this year will be no different.

Lundy and his Cougar squad will spend two weeks in Italy, spanning from May 13-28.

"Part of what I do is to provide these young men with opportunities to grow," said Lundy who is in his 23rd year as head coach at C of C.

"I want our players to develop personal and cultural relationships through our great game of soccer. It's a big deal for me to encourage these relationships. Our players will grow as young men through their involvement with the splendor of Italy. This is what motivates me most to coach—providing opportunities for my players."

While there, the Cougars will make stops in several cities to play a total of eight matches against U-19 teams against competitive professional teams as well as Serie D (Division III) professional clubs.

Highlights include matches against AC Milan, Inter Milan, AS Roma and Lazio.

"This will prepare our players for a 2010 NCAA Championship season. Soccer in Italy, it's a passion. The level of play is amazing; the country is in love with the game. We will gain a great deal by playing in these games," said Lundy, who expects his team to hold their own, despite playing such high quality competition.

"We are going to have to play at a high level—but I think we'll do great. The guys are so excited, the mood right now is unbelievable."

In the past, the Cougars have traveled to: Holland (1994), England (1998), Tobago (2002), and Trinidad (2010).

Each time, they had to raise funds on their own.

And this time is no different—except it's much more expensive.

The total cost of the trip will be $80,000.

"We still have a little ways to go, we're a little over 50 percent right now. The players will be supplying some of the funds themselves. In the meantime, they are selling T-shirts. But the community has been great. Some former players have helped out; everyone is working hard to raise money. Even the people in Italy have stepped forward and our providing us with very great rates," Lundy said.

When they're not playing soccer, the Cougars will be absorbing the culture of Italy.

In addition to sightseeing in cities like Milan and Rome, the team will spend time in Charleston's "sister city", Spoleto, for which the local festival is named.

"We want to get to know the people involved. Again, we will be learning about other cultures and developing relationships that we'll carry with us for the rest of our lives," Lundy said.

The Cougars will spend six days taking in the sights and sounds of Spoleto and will play Spoleto's club team as well as the team from Perguia.

"Our players will be ambassadors for the College of Charleston, City of Charleston, and Town of Mount Pleasant in each of these great Italian cities," Lundy said. "We are the home team of Mount Pleasant. We are the heroes for the 2700 youth players in Mount Pleasant and that's a big deal to me."

Win or lose, this will be an unforgettable experience, filled with numerous opportunities for the entire Cougar men's soccer family.

And for Lundy, that's all that really matters.

Anyone interested in buying a T-shirt or donating to the trip should contact Lundy at (843) 953-8253.

(Mike Santillo can be reached at news@moultrienews.com.)