The Wesleyan men’s soccer team (7-0-1) failed to become just the second team in University history to win its first eight games, but preserved its undefeated season with a 0-0 overtime tie at home against Wheaton College (6-3-3).
The Cardinals, ranked fourteenth nationally in Division III, looked superior throughout the game but could not muster a goal on Tuesday. Following a scoreless ninety minutes, the game was called due to darkness after one overtime period.
While Wesleyan boasted the high ranking, Wheaton, a traditional DIII powerhouse, also came into Tuesday’s game high touted. The visiting team’s merits became evident early in the game.
Wheaton sweeper Ariel Tatum, listed at 6’5“, played like he was seven feet tall, the ball seemed to gravitate to him whenever Wesleyan took the offensive. With the tie, keeper Matt Pachnuik tied the Wheaton College record for career shutouts. Even with the two giants anchoring the Wheaton defense, the Cardinals were able to take 17 shots and had multiple opportunities to convert.
Wesleyan got fantastic play from its back line and midfielders all game. Central defender Chris Keeler ’07 was all over the field, interrupting Wheaton attacks and pushing the ball forward. Midfielders Josh Stephens ’07 and tri-captain Peter Glidden ’07 controlled the tempo of the game and had several chances on goals that just missed.
”I didn’t want to think I could score until I actually scored,“ Glidden said. ”This is our senior year. This is the culmination of our senior year.“
The heartbreakingly close game was highlighted by two chances, one for each squad, both thwarted by incredible goalkeeping.
Wesleyan’s best chance came early in the second half when Glidden won a hard fought ball and somehow slipped it ahead to forward Matt Nevin ’09, who broke completely free from the Wheaton defense. Nevin took Pachnuik on one-on-one, but perhaps had too much time to think. Pachnuik charged out from goal, and Nevin’s shot went straight into the diving keeper’s chest. It was one of eight saves Pachnuik made on the day, and certainly the most impressive.
Wheaton made its best bid for a score midway through the second half when Wheaton’s leading scorer Dan Lane ’09 got an open look on goal with the ball at his feet at point blank range. The shot was headed for the upper right-hand corner of the net, but Wesleyan keeper Matt Gnall ’08 came out of nowhere to punch it out of the way.
”I told the Wheaton attackers that the only way that they would get this win is if they pried it out of my cold, dead, lifeless hands, and if they could take it from my kung-fu grip, then go ahead, but if not, step off,“ said senior tri-captain Jared Ashe.
Wheaton was unable to put together a sustained attack at any point in the game, and had to settle for quick counterstrikes after Wesleyan’s charges.
The team travels to face Colby on Saturday at 11 a.m. in an important NESCAC contest. As well as the Mules have been playing, look for another close game against a quality opponent.
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