Cutting it close proved to be the theme for the 2008 Otterbein men's soccer team. After finishing their season with an overall record of 7-7-3, and 4-4-1 in the OAC, the Cardinals just missed making the play-offs due to a tie-breaker. The team walked off the field for the last time this season after a 2-2, double overtime tie with the Capital Crusaders. Goalie David Dziedzicki felt that the team showed a lot about their character in the last game. "It makes sense that we would come back and tie it up like we did. This was something that we proved to a lot this season and it proved how resilient of a team we were," said Dziedzicki. Resilience is one word that head coach Gerry D'Arcy agreed characterized this year's team. "We played five teams who were ranked in the national top 25 this year and came out 2-2-1 in those games," said D'Arcy. "Three of these teams are still alive in the NCAA tournament this week. We were competitive in all these games losing by the odd goal to Wittenberg and OWU, tying after overtime with Capital and shutting out both Ohio Northern and Baldwin Wallace for 1-0 wins." Five of the Cardinals' seven losses came after a difference of only one goal. Three games resulted with ties and three games went into double overtime. Sophomore, Byron Horton, said that this year's team was definitely full of excitement. "Nothing can beat the overtime wins at Baldwin Wallace and Heidelberg," said Horton. "Both games were on the road and under lights, and when the ball hit the back of the net the emotion that we felt was amazing." Dziedzicki said that the Heidelberg game stood out in his mind. "I think it showed how much character we had after coming back from behind on the road in a great atmosphere, and stealing a victory away from a very physical team. Everyone showed up to play that night and it was a great win for us," said Dziedzicki. The Cardinals benefited from a mix of talented underclassmen that matched well with two strong senior captains, Dan Ensign and RJ Lindquist. Lindquist was the only Cardinal named first team All-OAC. "As a senior on the team, of course I am not satisfied with the result. I will always wish we had a chance at another game. But we were young and this team deserved everything it accomplished. For the first time in years we were united," said Lindquist. "We had a strong belief that we could play with anyone out there. We worked very hard all season, and left it all on the field. I am satisfied with that." Dziedzicki feels there will be two large holes to fill next year with the two seniors leaving. "The two seniors on our team this year will most definitely be missed next year. They had a great impact on this program the three years I've been here, and have had a great impact on me as a player," said Dziedzicki. Ensign was named to ESPN The Magazine's Academic Team and was also named the OAC Scholar-Athlete of November. Junior, Auggie Fisher, was also named to the magazine. Other Cardinal standouts include Horton, who led the team with 7 goals, and goalie Dziedzicki, who tallied 68 saves. Coach D'Arcy is looking to build for the future. "Our existing players are very committed to improving themselves as they did from last year. This year's freshman group also has great potential for growth," said D'Arcy. "Finally we must recruit a couple of players who are simply goal scorers. We had a balanced offensive effort this year and with the help of a special player or two we can be very competitive next year." Horton agrees that there is room for improvement for the Cardinals.
"This off season should be a busy one for the men's team. Every one of us needs to get stronger, faster and work on our skills," said Horton. "If everyone puts the time in and continues to develop, next year we can be at the top of the OAC. I know this group of guys wants to return the program back to what it used to be, and next season we are looking to do so." t&c;
