The men’s soccer team journeyed to New London, Conn. on Wednesday to show the Cadets of Coast Guard (5-3) that there are some forces that just simply cannot be defended against. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the attack was not strong enough and the men’s record dropped to 2-3 after the 2-1 defeat.
Despite the cold weather in New London, the game was pushed from a 4:30 p.m. start on grass, to a night game on field turf pitch. From the outset of the game, the two teams battled tough. The Cadets’ offense was given very few opportunities to score as Wesleyan controlled play for most of the first half. The Cards could not capitalize, however, and the two teams entered the half knotted at nil.
After the break, Coast Guard was quick to capitalize with the first goal of the game. Not to be outdone, Wesleyan swiftly evened the score on a goal by Jared Ashe ’07 less than five minutes later.
With time winding down in the game, the Cardinals intensified their attack in hopes of scoring the game-winner. The Cadets were retreating from the Cardinal attack, but the aggressive offensive play gave Coast Guard an opportunity to counter-attack as they scored the decisive goal in the 86 minute. The goal came after a mistake by the Cardinal defense which allowed a Cadet to break free and attack goalie Dan Penrod ’05 one-on-one and put Coast Guard on top 2-1.
With a final push to tie the game, the Cardinals brought their strongest attack, challenging the Cadets on several occasions. Mike Walker ’08 contested with a shot that the Coast Guard goalie narrowly saved.
In the waning seconds Penrod came up on offense for what would be the final corner kick of the game. On a great kick the ball sailed into the box and was headed towards the goal. The Cadets attempted to clear the ball, but instead put the ball on frosh Brandon Smith’s foot. With less than five seconds left in the match, Smith’s solid shot sailed just high of the crossbar.
Co-captain Evan Bissell ’05 pointed out that the near miss at the end typified the team’s season.
“The Argentine curse of World Cup 2002 has plagued Wesleyan so far this year,” he said.
Although the game was well played, many of the men described the game as demoralizing.
The men renew conference play on Saturday, with a 2:00 p.m. home game against the Camels of Connecticut College (2-5, 0-3 NESCAC) on North Field. The Camels are sure to be hungry for their first conference win as well as getting a chance for revenge against the Cardinals, after Wes hammered the Camels on their home pitch last year.
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