The Observer, September 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 2
Spartans sweep in Indiana, return home undefeated
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The wrath of the Case men's soccer team swept Indiana by storm last weekend. The Spartans cleaned up at the Wabash/DePauw Classic, claiming two victories on the road against two foes from the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
On Saturday, Sept. 2, the Spartans faced off against the DePauw Tigers. Emotions were running high and adrenaline was flowing as the young team took the field for its first official match of the season. In a new formation, showing just three midfielders, the team had to do its best to control the middle and focus on getting the ball outside.
"It was the first time we'd played that formation in a game situation," junior Neal Duryea said. "Once we settled down, we started to pressure them more and got some good chances."
The winning option came from a strong ball across the middle from sophomore Nate Hoffman, who found fellow sophomore RJ French in the 73rd minute for a shot to the left post. The Spartans held the Tigers scoreless, thanks in part to great defense and the goalkeeping skills of sophomore Konrad Karasek, who made five saves in his 88 minutes in goal.
Sunday, the Spartans defeated Wabash College to increase their record to 2-0.
"We had to keep our composure heading into the second game, after that victory over such a great team as DePauw," sophomore Matt Paglia said. Composure didn't appear to be a problem for Paglia, who found the back of the net twice early in the first half. The goals came from speedy counterattacks and intense game play, assisted by freshman Brian Evans and sophomore Justin Steggerda.
Starting the second half, the Spartans settled back and worked on movement and working as a team. At the 56:25 mark, they found the back of the net again. The third goal came from a weak clearance off a corner kick by Steggerda, this time to sophomore Kevin Bigart, who managed to sneak it past the Wabash keeper.
Case held Wabash scoreless until the 82nd minute, when the Little Giants found the goal after a quick combination. One would be all they could score against the Spartans, who ended the game with a 3-1 victory.
The Spartans opened at home this past Wednesday against Seton Hill. The outcome was not available at press time. Look for them battling it out with local contenders Myers University this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Village at 115.
