Despite dropping the season opener to Williams on Saturday 1-0, the Cardinals came out with a high level of energy and proved they could pose a threat to some of the top teams in the league this year. The loss continued the team’s current losing streak against Williams, which is now at 22 games. The last time Wesleyan beat the Ephs was in 1982 and is 0-24-1 since that game, but Saturday’s contest showed signs of a new and improved Cardinal squad.
“To say that we were well matched is an accomplishment given that Williams has generally dominated Wesleyan in the past,” Captain Laura Fine ’08 said about the game. “I remain hopeful towards the upcoming season and it wouldn’t surprise me if we met Williams again in the NESCAC playoffs.”
Wesleyan was not intimidated and kept Williams in check for the majority of the game. The midfielders were evenly matched and both offenses were kept silent. At the end of the first half, the teams were deadlocked at 0-0, neither side taking control of the game.
“We played an even game which was reflected in the number of attempts on goal,” Fine said.
Williams finished the game with eight shots, Wesleyan close behind with six.
Since it is still very early in the season, Wesleyan is trying several different strategies.
“We are trying a lot of new things and people in different positions,” said Andrea Giuliano ’09.
With just under 20 minutes left to play, a Williams forward scored on a through pass from midfield, breaking the stalemate. Taylor Stevenson ’10 contributed to Wesleyan’s offensive efforts against a tough Williams defense, leading the team with two shots.
Wesleyan’s best scoring opportunity came in the second half from Becky Malik ’09. Malik ripped a free kick off the crossbar, but the team was unfortunately unable to capitalize on the ensuing rebound.
“Yesterday’s game did not end in our favor, and we were very disappointed because we knew we could win,” Giuliano said.
This Wesleyan team has improved dramatically, and Saturday’s result could be an indication of good things to come this season. The defense will continue to work on tightening up in the backfield, allowing for fewer mistakes, and the offense will work hard on producing more scoring opportunities.
“If we play consistent throughout the entire game and put some goals in the back of the net, we will win,” Giuliano said.
The Cards play their next game on Wednesday night against Mount Holyoke, followed by a NESCAC matchup next weekend, when Wesleyan travels to Hartford to take on Trinity College.
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