The Observer, October 13, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 7
Men's unbeaten streak finally comes to an end against NYU
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The fun had to stop eventually.
In suffering their first loss to New York University, according to senior captain Greg Gasbarro, the Case men's soccer team faced an aggressive style of soccer that it had not seen this season.
"Against NYU we came out in the first half and did not match their intensity," Gasbarro said. "They are probably the most physical team we have faced so far. We thought we were meant to win because we were nationally ranked, but obviously that's not the case. They controlled the first half and their goal was a great goal. We didn't really match up until the second half, but by that time it was too late."
The game was so physical that there were only five shots on goal for both teams during the entire game. RJ French and Neal Duryea each had a shot on goal in the second half for Case's only two. New York's Adam Dhanens had two for the Violets, including one that led to the eventual game-winner in the first half. With the win, the Violets (10-1, 2-0) are sitting atop the UAA with Carnegie Mellon (9-2, 2-0).
Foreseeing a loss eventually this season, the way the team reacts to the defeat will determine the rest of the season, according to freshman midfielder Pranav Lohitsa.
"It is one game, one loss, not a deciding factor of our season," Lohitsa said. "I am [upset about the loss] because I know we are better. But it's not just about who's better, it's about who wants it more. We didn't want it enough. Now we have learned from the loss and know that we have to come out hard to win every game. We aren't guaranteed anything and games aren't decided by rank."
Chances for redemption are right around the corner for the Spartans as they host UAA opponents Washington University and University of Chicago on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
"We see the Wash U. game as one of the more important ones of the season," Gasbarro said. "Not only is this the game to prevent the beginning of a losing streak, but last year we lost to them, 2-1, and that was a game we could have won. Also, a win on Friday would set the tone for another difficult match on Sunday against Chicago."
Adding to the difficulty is the fact that both opponents are very different from each other.
"The two teams play really different styles of play," Gasbarro said. "Washington will be like NYU with a more direct aggressive attack, while Chicago has smaller, quicker players, and they like to play under control, on the ground, and hit the seams."
Gasbarro thinks the loss might help the team as it prepares for this weekend.
"I think the loss helped. I feel like it had to happen eventually, and now we learned that it is not always going to go our way and we can get focused for this weekend. I don't think a Case team has won even two UAA conference games in one season. We already have one, so if we could pull off a couple of wins this weekend it would be great."
