By Michael Scheck
Staff Writer
The men's soccer team defeated Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) last Sunday, winning by a score of 1-0.
Playing their regular season home finale on a cool, beautiful day with plenty of fans cheering them on, the Eagles played an excellent game.
"It was a very big game for both teams because of the NCAA implications and for UAA standings," Head Coach Sonny Travis said. "You could feel the playoff atmosphere for both teams."
Case Western put the pressure on early. Within two minutes of kickoff, the team earned a corner kick. However, the Eagles held off the attack and then created scoring chances of their own.
The Eagles broke through in the 30th minute of play. Coming in on a breakaway, sophomore midfielder Jason Andrejchak, junior forward Sebastian Hardington and junior midfielder Nick Schook were all running towards the net.
When the Case Western defender tried to clear the ball, it deflected off of himself and went directly to Schook. Schook put the shot in the back of the net, resulting in the game-winning goal.
When asked about how the team prepares for hard opponents, Hardington emphasized repetition and paying attention to details.
"We trained hard all week and really paid attention to detail," Hardington said. "It was a team effort and everyone's hard work paid off by coming together as one unit."
The Eagles continued to dominate in the second half. By the time the game concluded, the team had 19 scoring chances.
"We have to score more goals on 19 chances, but it is not from a lack of effort," Travis said. "Sometimes that is just this crazy game they call soccer." Goalie Abe Hannigan's had a marvelous game in the net, saving both shots fired at him. At the same time, the defense played tremendously, only allowing Case Western two shots on target.
Travis was very pleased with the result of the game. When asked about his expectations moving forward, he said, "I expect that we continue to work hard and earn an NCAA bid."
The Eagles finish their regular season tomorrow, Nov. 8, at Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.). The Eagles will then have to wait to find out if they will be selected to compete in the 2014 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship.
– By Michael Scheck, Contributing Writer
Squad Trumps Case Western
Junior midfielder Nick Schook chases down the ball. Schook scored the Eagles' only goal in their 1-0 win
over Case Wastern Reserve University (Ohio) last Sunday, which improved their record to 13-3-1. | Photo by Erin Baker/Staff
