Ashley Ferguson
Contributing Writer
The College of Wooster soccer programs closed out their seasons with a couple of hard-fought games against conference rival Wittenberg University last Saturday at Carl Dale Field.
In the second half of the men’s game, a key save from Wooster goalkeeper Scot Stacho ’18 kept the Tigers’ Samuel Archinal at bay, but the rebound was tapped in by Wittenberg’s Matt Bayler. The highlight of Wooster’s play was a pass from Kieffer Hessler ’17, which set up Austin Russell ’19 for the equalizer in the 75th minute. Wooster dominated much of the game, and Russell nearly scored again in the final seconds of regulation time but was blocked and play continued into overtime.
The Scots outplayed the Tigers in overtime, outshooting their opponents 7-2. However, the game finished in a 1-1 tie.
Going into the game, the senior leaders knew what needed to be done to outpace their rivals.
“Tactically we knew that Witt was going to play a high line and try to catch us offside throughout the game,” said Marco Sapien ’17. “Our best strategy was to play long balls behind their defense or quick combinations in between their lines before trying to get in behind.”
Although this is their final season at Wooster, the seniors hope to pass on a legacy of hard work and teamwork. “We always wanted to keep taking a step forward and not settle for standing still and just being on the team,” said Kelly. “We want to pass that on to the returners next year, a willingness to not settle and be your best.”
The teams’ coaches admire those sentiments. “I’m blessed and thankful to have worked with our five seniors over the past two seasons,” said men’s head coach Andy Zidron. “The commitment they have made to lay the foundation for the program moving forward has been indescribable.”
On the women’s side, Wooster was fighting for a ticket to the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament. Kennedy Payne ’17, who returned to her first game since suffering a knee injury at Kenyon on Oct. 8, made a great stride towards goal for Wooster in the first half, sending a shot on goal, but Wittenberg’s Hannah Wilson saved it.
Wittenberg’s goal came in the 80th minute off an impressive flip throw from Leah Soutar to Megan Davis. With just one second on the clock, Wooster’s Kathleen Kalafatis ’17 sought revenge with a remarkable tight-angled shot attempt inside the box just along the right side, but Wittenberg made the save. The Scots fell to the Tigers 1-0.
The seniors also spoke of bringing a sense of determination and hope to future teams. “We started off strong from the first whistle and that didn’t stop until our 90 minutes were up,” said Carly Eppler ’17.
“I am really proud of everything that we have accomplished as a team this season,” said Liz Kantra ’17. “I don’t think anyone expected us to do as well as we did, and we really came together as a group and had a great conference run.”
“[The seniors] have been consistently committed to helping this young team continue to grow through the ups and downs of a long season. Their contributions were tremendous and we will miss them dearly,” noted head coach Geordie Brown.