MSOC & WSOC: Colonels battle hard against MAC opponents
The women’s and men’s soccer teams competed against FDU-Florham University on Oct 2. The women’s team tied the Devils in double overtime 2-2, while the men’s team was able to defeat the Devils after two halves.
After winning two games prior to the homecoming matchup, the women’s team was unable to win a third consecutive game against the Devils.
“I thought today we were bidding consistently,” said head coach John McNichol. “I thought our last few games the consistency was there, I just didn’t feel as if today we were able to put that consistent effort in where we were able to generate passes and scoring opportunities.
“We had opportunities early that we didn’t convert on and opportunities late where I think we were a little susceptible to them in transitions, and I think we need to do a better job tightening up as a group moving forward.”
The Colonels’ only scores of the game came on senior Emily Bidelspach’s third and fourth goals of the season.
Her first goal opened up the scoring in the game, nailing a shot in the post with 9:28 left in the first half. Bidelspach’s second goal of the game, assisted by junior Erica Feese, was made with 18:26 left in the second half.
The women’s soccer team plays next on Oct. 6, in which they will face the Lycoming Warriors.
The men’s team followed the end of the women’s matchup with their game also being against FDU-Florham. They went into their game riding a four-game win-streak and a win-loss record of 7-2. The Colonels’ defense was substantial in the first half, only allowing a total of two shots on goal by the Devils to keep the game scoreless at the end of the 45-minute period.
The only goal of the game was scored with 24:14 left in the second half by senior Andrew Reichard. Reichard bounced the ball past FDU goalie Tiernan Grey to earn his second goal of the season.
The 1-0 score would in fact remain the same as the Colonels would earn their fifth win in a row to advance to 8-2 on the season.
“This last game in particular, I thought the guys worked really hard,” said head coach Michael Piranian. “Obviously it wasn’t as clean as previous games, but the heart and the hustle were there. I was very proud of them for sticking it out and there was some physical play that we battled through and it was nice to come out on top.”
The men’s team will faced Lycoming College on Oct. 5. Details of the game were not available at press time.
“We’re really excited,” said Piranian. “We’ve had good experiences with them in the past, and most recently for us it’s gonna be an opportunity for redemption.”
Men’s soccer will return to the pitch on Saturday at Widener at 2 p.m.
