Men’s soccer edged out in tight contest against Coast Guard

The men’s soccer team lost a disappointing game Wednesday against the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 3-2. Defeated by the Guard for the first time since 2004, the Cardinals weren’t able to hold onto a 2-1 lead after halftime, giving up the tying goal and eventually losing in overtime. Despite a 19-9 shot differential, the men were unable to convert their chances, slipping after an impressive win at Colby last weekend. With this loss, the Cards’ record drops below .500 at 3-4-1 overall.

Coast Guard got on the board first, scoring 1:51 into the game. Wesleyan was soon able to regroup, and scored on two of its seven shots on goal before the half ended. Geoff Zartarian ’11 made his first goal of the season to tie the game 1-1, with an assist from Jory Kahan ’10. The Cards took the lead less than three minutes later with Keisuke Yamashita’s ’11 fourth of the season: an unassisted rebound goal that sent the Cards into halftime with the lead.

Coast Guard seemed to gain some confidence when sophomore Chris Tarbell was replaced in goal by junior Tim Olah to start the second half. Wesleyan stayed strong for most of the half, but became futile on offense, only managing three shots on goal in the second half. With seven and a half minutes left, Coast Guard tied the game, forcing an extra frame. The Cardinals simply couldn’t hold off the Bears, who scored a little over seven minutes into overtime to take the win and remain unbeaten at home.

Wesleyan seemed to outplay the Coast Guard overall, but ineffective defensive play was the poison that ended the Cards’ hopes on Wednesday: the Bears scored on three of its five shots on goal during the game.

“We have to start defending better and get that clean sheet,” Kahan said.

On the other hand, the team’s offensive skills remain impressive. Nine of the ten starters had shots, with eight of them on goal. While the men had some difficulty converting these shots, especially in the second half, they clearly have depth and skill that can be focused.

Most of Wesleyan’s success this season has come against NESCAC teams, where its record is 2-1-1. The non-conference games have proven to be difficult, but the experience is still vital.

“Playing against some of those teams, especially the ones that are ranked, has showed us that we are in the mix,” said Jacob Levkowicz ’12.

The Cardinals’ NESCAC standing is very impressive, sitting at third in the conference behind Middlebury and Williams. Wesleyan tied Middlebury a few weeks ago and travels to face off against Williams this upcoming Saturday. Its next home game is against Western Connecticut State University on Wednesday, Oct. 15.