A sunny, intense soccer game occurred between Elizabethtown College’s Blue Jays and the Goucher Gophers on Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. on the Ira R. Herr Field. Despite the intensity of both teams, it ended in a draw (0-0).
The Blue Jays started strong during the first half of the game. They kept charging at the Gophers with the intent of scoring. This especially showed when they made six shots before the Gophers could shoot during the first 21 minutes.
Out of the shots, Etown midfielder Maddie McWhinney almost scored from a setup. When she kicked the ball back into the field from the side of the net, another teammate was ready to volley it for another teammate to try scoring. However, Gophers’ goalkeeper Marissa Spacht blocked it..
The Gophers managed to go for two goals close to halftime. However, Blue Jays goalkeeper Trinity Soto saved one of these when the ball bounced upward off the net.
Some fans thought the Blue Jays were most likely to win during halftime.
“With the defense of Etown overall, it will be difficult for the Gophers,” audience member Karen Brubake said.
Both teams continued to be defensive throughout the second half. The Blue Jays received many cheers from the audience while the Gophers lacked many supporters.
Nonetheless, the Gophers became fueled with bravery and started pushing the Blue Jays back with some of their shots. The Gophers went for five goals before there were nine minutes left. Then, they made three more towards the end of the game, giving them eight shots total to finish. After more chances to score from the Blue Jays, they ended the game with 14 total.
“Both teams worked really hard,” forward and defender for the Gophers Reagan Hunt said.
The Blue Jays now stand with five wins, eight losses and two ties, while the Gophers stand with seven wins, five losses and three ties.
Despite the draw, this game was pressuring for the Blue Jays. It was to determine if they get into the playoffs.
“It was disappointing,” Blue Jays midfielder Olivia Herbert said. “That was a team we should have beat.”
There was also contemplation about the outcome of their future games.
“I think we still have potential as a team to make it to the playoffs,” Herbert said.
Right now, the Blue Jays stand in fifth place in the Landmark Conference rankings while the Gophers lie in seventh place.
The next game against the Catholic Cardinals will determine whether or not the Blue Jays will get into the playoffs. Stay tuned for it next Saturday, Oct. 29.
