In the final game of the season, the College’s men’s soccer team lost a tough match against Rowan University by a score of 3-0.
The Profs got off to a hot start by opening the game with a third-minute goal that just got past junior keeper Matt Frederick’s fingers. They struck again with a header in the 11th minute.
“Before the game, our coach told us that Rowan is a very intense team,” said sophomore midfielder Sean Casey. “After the first goal we were a little startled, but I think after that we settled in and played better.”
The Lions were unable to score in the second half, however, as the Profs cemented the victory with a third goal in the 79th minute.
“We had chances, we just weren’t able to score,” said sophomore midfielder Dan Lyons. “We had opportunities right in front of the goal that we couldn’t put away. They pressured us a lot, which was frustrating our team and made it difficult for us to move the ball around.”
The loss gave the College a record of five wins, eight losses and four ties. However, six of their eight losses were by one goal.
Although the team struggled throughout the year, several players had very good seasons. Junior midfielder Kevin Shaw and senior midfielder/forward Ed Kozic led the team with 11 points each. Junior midfielder Taylor Gregory also had nine points. Casey was first in assists on the team with five.
Cut short of the NJAC playoffs, the Lions’ season came to an end. Overall, the season was something of a letdown for the players.
“It was very disappointing,” said Casey. “We lost Ray Nelan in the beginning of the year and that hurt us. But I still thought we had the potential to do better.”
Looking forward to next season, however, there is certainly room for optimism.
“I’m definitely excited for next year,” Lyons said. “We’re all looking forward to improving in the offseason. We have a good group of guys coming back, so I think we have a good shot for next year.”
