Rory O'Neill '13 (L) and Evan Hazelett '13 (R) battle for the ball against Springfield.
Tuesday afternoon saw a brief respite from NESCAC play for men’s soccer, as the Wesleyan Cardinals welcomed to Middletown the Springfield College Pride of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). The Pride had maintained an undefeated record of 3-0-1 coming into the day, while the Cardinals had just toppled talented NESCAC rival Bowdoin three days prior. Hence, both squads were feeling the positive energy as the 4:30 p.m. whistle signaled the start of the match. What followed was a hard-fought contest resulting in a 0-0 tie.
Wesleyan was generally successful at maintaining possession and garnering offensive opportunities, outshooting Springfield 14–7 and taking 11 corner kicks to Springfield’s four. Midfielders Steve Paresi ’13, Rory O’Neill ’13, and forward Evan Hazelett ’13 all took shots on goal, and Hazelett came inches away from scoring as he rocketed a ball off the right post in the tenth minute of regulation. However, the Pride’s back four put in a solid effort and thwarted several Cardinal attacks. Springfield freshman goalkeeper Brett Bascom contributed four saves. Bascom, who has played in three games this year, has yet to be scored on in his college career. On the Wesleyan side of the field, netminder Adam Purdy ’13 managed three saves of his own.
In spite of the lack of scoring, the afternoon was not without highlights for Wesleyan. A promising nucleus of young talent gained some exposure, as defender Ben Bratt ’15 started his second game in a row for the Cardinals. He was joined on the pitch by fellow freshman Matt Hertgen (midfield), Greg Shaheen (defense), and Dan Issroff (midfield), who also received playing time for the second match in a row. Further, forward Omar Bravo ’15 and defender Spencer Tanaka ’15 made their collegiate debuts.
Following the draw with Springfield, Wesleyan sits at 1-0-1 on the season. Stay tuned as the Cardinals challenge the Tufts Jumbos in Medford, Massachusetts this Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Chris Kuehn '13 dribbles through a bevy of Springfield defenders.
Photos by: Corey Sobotka/Contributing Photographer