Elizabethtown College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams got back on trackSaturday on Oct. 5 at home on Ira R. Herr Field. They took the field against Drew University, and by the end of the day, both teams were able to capture Landmark Conference points. The women’s team held a 0-0 draw at 1 p.m., and the men’s team capped off the day with a convincing 2-0 win at 3:30 p.m. later in the day.
For the women’s contest, it was a fairly matched game from the jump. Both teams were finding themselves in the opposing half quite often. Drew led the game in shots 14-10, including five shots on goal to Etown’s one. The Blue Jays’ senior goalkeeper Adrienne McGallicher captured a clean shot in this one, making five saves through the 90 minutes. On the offensive end, senior forward Ava Whisten led the team in shots with three and unleashed the teams only shot on goal.
Both teams came out of the gates with some offensive firepower. In the first 20 minutes, each side rallied off a couple of shots and found opportunities via corner kicks. However, the defenders were up to the task, making it tough on their opponents and forcing shots wide. The half would close out with a late shot by Drew, but McGallicher made the save and kept it knotted at zero into halftime.
When the second half whistle blew, Etown and Drew took their games to another level. The half immediately opened with offensive rallies, but this time the rallies would persist throughout the majority of the half. The Blue Jays let loose for seven shots in this half, led by Whisten, who had two. The fans were almost treated to some late game drama, as in the 88th minute, first-year forward Maureen Arentz fired a shot on goal that was blocked. Seconds later, Whisten had a chance of her own, but the shot would sail wide. McGallicher continued to shine, making three saves, including a last minute save in the 89th minute to preserve the draw.
Following the game, Whisten commented on what worked well for the team and what she wishes they could have capitalized on.
“It was a physical battle, but we were able to keep our heads and play our game,” Whisten said. “I think for me, we could have done a better job taking more chances on frame and testing the keeper. Towards the end, we dominated in their half, but unfortunately, we couldn’t put one away.”
The men’s team put an end to their winless streak with a 2-0 win over Drew. Junior goalkeeper Pedro Miranda had himself a game in the shutout, making three crucial saves over the course of the day. On the offensive side of things, Etown made the most of their chances. By the time the final whistle sounded, four of their nine shots were on target, and two found the back of the net. Senior midfielder Matt Miller earned his first goal of the season in the 42nd minute and senior midfielder Pedro Guizardi captured one in the 50th minute. First-year midfielder AJ Sasso moved the ball well, assisting on both goals.
The Blue Jays maintained possession for much of the first half and consistently applied pressure. After a wide shot and an offside call, they finally struck gold in the 42nd minute, when Miller snuck one past Drew’s keeper to give the Jays momentum going into the second half with a 1-0 lead.
Five minutes into the second half, Etown was once again celebrating a goal, this one coming off of Guizardi’s foot for his fourth of the season. While Drew began to find more success with the ball, the Blue Jay defense and Miranda continued a terrific afternoon, blocking shots and making saves. In the last 10 minutes, the team was able to limit any Drew chances, and held on for a 2-0 win.
This upcoming weekend, both teams will get back on the field against Wilkes University on the road on Saturday, Oct. 19 in Wilkes-Barre. The women will play at 1 p.m. and the men will play at 3:30 p.m.
