The Observer, September 23, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 4
Injuries hamper men's soccer team in 2-1 defeat
Critical injuries continue to hold back the men's soccer team as it tries to built on its existing chemistry and gain momentum to take into upcoming matches against Hanover College and the College of Wooster.
The Spartans traveled to Capital University (Columbus, Oh.) last Saturday, but were forced to compete without five of the team's regular starting players who were out due to injuries. The Crusaders of Capital University brought a 5-2 record into the match and were quick to strike once the game began. Only eight minutes into the match, Capital was able to put a ball in the back of the net for the only goal of the first half.
The opening of the second half was far more promising for the Spartans as freshman Justin Steggerda scored his second goal of the season off of an assist by fellow first-year player R.J. French. Unfortunately, less than 10 minutes later, the Crusaders responded by taking the lead with a goal in the 65th minute. That goal ended up being the difference, as the game ended 2-1, marking the Spartans' second loss of the season. The Spartans' record following the tough loss stood at 3-2-1.
"We were out-muscled and out-worked," said Steggerda, who suggested that Capital simply played as if they wanted the victory more. "We picked it up in the second half and tied the game, but then they adjusted and we didn't."
The disappointing loss was made worse by the fact that multiple starting players were sidelined with injuries and unable to contribute to the effort. The team is continuing to hurt from the extended loss of junior captain Greg Gasbarro. Gasbarro has yet to play in a game this season but will certainly contribute when he does return by providing leadership and experience on the field. In addition to Gasbarro, the Spartans have been without several other key contributing players this past week, including Neal Duryea.
The Spartans hope to regain some momentum in their upcoming match against Hanover College (1-5-1) this Saturday. Next in line after Hanover are the always-tough Fighting Scots of the College of Wooster. The match against Wooster should be a difficult match for the Spartans, as the Scots have shut out the Spartans in victories in each of the past two years. This year's Spartan team has already proven themselves as a stronger team than in past years, however, and hopes are definitely high for this upcoming match.
