Men's soccer starts league season with win
Kelsey Slater
Issue date: 10/2/09 Section: Sports
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The game was highlighted by stellar defense from both sides with the Leopards and the Crusaders only taking ten and nine shots respectively. Phil Nelson '10 led the Leopards with four saves, picking up his fifth shutout of the season. For his performance Nelson was named Patriot League Goalie of the Week
The first overtime saw little opportunity for both teams with only two combined shots. The second overtime saw a few missed opportunities for the Leopards as Josh Brown '13 and Blake Fink '13 both had quality looks but missed the net by a few feet.
It looked as though the Leopards were going to have to settle for a tie, but with 44 seconds remaining in the final overtime, a long pass from Sean Peckham '13 found BJ Glenn '11. Glenn gained control of the ball, and was able to put it past the Holy Cross defense to hand the Leopards their first Patriot League victory of the season.
Nelson said he was proud of the team's performance. "It was great to see the effort put in by the entire team in overtime and to leave Massachusetts with a win," he said.
The Patriot League is always a battle both mentally and physically and is often described as a different season within itself. Justin Kamine '11 sees this distinction. "Patriot League play is a completely different environment," he said. Because each team only plays each other one time, it is obvious why the environment is different as every league game becomes a must-win.
The Leopards are off to a good start, but are going to have to continue to work hard if they want to gain their eighth consecutive berth to the Patriot League tournament. Glenn emphasized how important each Patriot League game is, and how it changes his mental and physical game. "You have to come with a mindset that every game is a must win and because there is so much parity in the league that on any given day anyone in the league can beat anyone," he said.
With one league win under their belts, the Leopards will be looking for win number two in this Saturday's contest against Lehigh at Metzgar Fields. Lehigh is currently tied with the Leopards atop the Patriot League standings after upsetting two-time defending Patriot League champions Colgate on Saturday.
The Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry will bring a second pressure to the Leopards who have not lost to the Mountain Hawks since 2006. Head Coach Dennis Bohn is confident in his team's ability. He believes that the team is both mentally and physically ready for the challenge. "It should be a great atmosphere on Saturday night against Lehigh," he said. "It is our Alumni Day and I am hoping the student body comes out in full force to support the team."
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