In an intense match, Otterbein men's soccer team (2-3-1) battled the Washington and Jefferson Presidents (PA) (2-3-2) to a double overtime, 0-0 tie on Saturday afternoon at Clements Field. "We're all pretty frustrated with the tie," Graduate Assistant Brett Neiderman said. "We were very unfortunate to have a goal called back but we need to get more productivity out of our offense... this was a game we could have won." Aggressive play came from the Cardinals in the first half, receiving six shot attempts, seven fouls and two yellow cards.
During the second half, both teams began looking more dangerous on offense. The Cardinals were able to get the ball in shooting range nine times, compared to Washington and Jefferson's five goal attempts. With two minutes left in the second half, junior midfielder Auggie Fisher, was almost a hero as he dodged around the goalie and put the ball inside the right post; however, the goal was called off after a foul was called on Otterbein. During both overtimes, Otterbein was able to control possession, successfully moving the ball and putting pressure on Washington and Jefferson's defense, unable to convert their opportunities into goal-scoring chances. Senior captain Dan Ensign expressed that once the offense settles in, the Cardinals will be on the right foot. "The offense needs to be worked on," Ensign said. "110 minutes of soccer without a goal is unacceptable, however, we did have some very good chances on goal that we just couldn't finish. As long as we can start capitalizing on set pieces, we will be okay." Junior midfielder Harrison Jones is confident that the offense will have the opportunity to put big numbers up on the board. "We created a lot of chances. This has been the case for most of our games so far, but we just haven't been able to punch some goals in, but I know things will start clicking for us up top," Jones said. The Cardinals managed to get off 20 shots while the Presidents only had 11. On the defensive end of the field, things seem to be standing solid. Junior goalie David Dziedzicki, who recorded four saves for the Cardinals, is secure in goal. "The defense played very well against Washington and Jefferson," said Dziedzicki. "The three in the back did very well to handle their counter attacks and did an awesome job at closing all passing lanes. We also defended very well in the midfield." At this point, the Cardinals have nothing to hang their heads about, having lost to Wittenberg, Kenyon and Ohio Wesleyan who are all very good and potential nationally ranked teams. "We have had great work ethic but we are a young and developing team and have been trying people in different positions and different formations," Ensign said. "Our focus is not on our record, but being the best team we can be by the time conference play starts." The men's team has been made home to 24 new freshmen and only has three senior veterans. "I think this is going to be a good season for the Otterbein men's soccer team. We have some young talent on the team, this combined with some of our upper classmen, will allow us to do very well in the conference this year," said Dziedzicki. The Cardinals also tied Denison University Wednesday night 2-2. Next up for the Cardinals is Oberlin on October 1. The Cardinals start OAC play October 8 at Marietta. t&c;
