The Observer, October 5, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 6
Men's soccer loses conference opener
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The men's soccer team split their decisions last week, marking their first regular season loss since Oct. 13 of last year. The Spartans, who were ranked No.2 in the nation, beat a good Wooster team convincingly, then lost to an NYU team that was also undefeated and nationally ranked. In this week's National Soccer Coaches Association poll, the Spartans have dropped to the seventh spot.
Wooster proved to be less of a challenge for the men than Coach Palmer thought, as the team beat them 3-0 last Wednesday evening. This win was due in large part to the all-star performance put on by junior Matt Paglia, who scored all three of Case's goals. "We had been working with Matt on keeping his shots low," said Palmer. "When we play better teams you need to place your shots, and he did that really well." Paglia's speed also lent a hand in the scoring opportunities. Up until that point he had only one goal because opposing teams plan to slow him down, but Wooster allowed him to get some space and he capitalized. Defense continued to play well as goalie Chad Skidmore recorded his sixth shutout on the season.
That all changed this past Saturday, however. New York University came into the game picked to finish higher in the UAA than Case, and they showed why. NYU's constant pressure on offense and defense really put the pressure on the Spartans and made it difficult for them to execute. The Violets struck early, scoring a goal in the 18th minute from which Case could never recover. While the second half presented many scoring opportunities for the Spartans, they couldn't capitalize. "There were around five balls that we got past the goalie in the second half," said Palmer. "But one of the backs would clear it off the goal line." The Spartans looked to improve on this performance for this past Tuesday's game against Notre Dame College, but were met with more of the same, again on the short end of a 1-0 match.
"They are a very good team not, unlike NYU," said Palmer before the game. "They are a very skillful, physical team and run a 5-3-2." Unfortunately, the team had trouble with this particular style again, dropping their second straight game. It was a hard-fought game which went into overtime where Notre Dame eventually scored. For the first time this season, Case's ability to outlast opponents seemed to be matched. Scoring opportunities were few and far between with Case attempting seven shots, and only three of those on goal.
The Spartans look to avenge these losses this weekend, however, as they face their second UAA opponent and play in the homecoming game. Based on their success from last year, the athletic department decided to feature the soccer team instead of the football team in the homecoming game this year. The game is a double header with the women's team that begins Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
