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Men's Soccer
2007 Mid-Season Report
The WWC Men’s Soccer Team reported for training camp on August 13, and began a three session a day regiment in preparation for the upcoming season. A strong returning core of upperclassmen, plus four high quality freshmen gave the squad a solid base from which to build. The side began its match schedule with two scrimmages against strong city teams, and although both games were lost, the team played very well and began to find some unity. The Owls were dealt a severe blow when they went down to 10 men at the 15 minute mark via a second caution, but the boys drew from the depths of passion and belief, and soon were dominating the match. The Owls forced EC’s goalkeeper into five top shelf saves to keep the score line at nil, and despite pressuring for the entire second half, even while playing a man down, could not find the twine. A gritty, gutsy performance to get a result at 0-0.
The first matches of the year were played in Mount Olive, NC, versus Mt Olive College and Chowan University in the Sleep Inn Classic. Under the Friday night lights, in 100 degree temps, the boys put in an outstanding 90 minutes against the Division II hosts, and although the result showed a 3-0 loss, came away with a morale victory as they were in the game from the first whistle to the last. Our small squad held their own against an onslaught of 24 players used by the opponent. Saturday’s fixture had a late afternoon kickoff, so the temperature was even hotter. The WWC lads began the match in supreme form, stringing 21 passes together from the kickoff and creating a great look at goal, only to be denied by the final touch going astray. 25 minutes of dominance produced four more stellar opportunities, but the goal would not come. The toll of a game 24 hrs prior, and the 104 degree heat, began to tell upon our heroes, who began to cramp and wilt. Long ball tactics by Chowan soon led to two breakaway goals, against the run of play. A missed tackle on one hopeful clearance led to a third, again fortunate for CU. True to their character, the WWC boys fought hard for the entire match and had the better of play throughout, but were unable to unlock the opponents goal. WWC did win a late penalty, but also conceded one, so it was not enough to overcome the margin. Final Chowan 4 WWC 1.
The Fighting Owls began their 4 match home stand by beating Piedmont Baptist College 3-1, and conference foe Lagrange College 3-0, setting the tone for an excellent start to the season. Both games were dominated, with the team playing stronger in each consecutive half. Confidence and belief were growing in the side, and it showed with their excellent play, unity, and will to win. Division III powerhouse Union College was next, and the Owls played a fantastic match, going stride for stride, until Unions British striker scored a goal of immense quality. The WWC side answered with an equally good strike 10 minutes later, but it was disallowed for an infraction. The team pressed for an equalizer for the last 20 minutes, dominating, but could only find the crossbar with their best effort. A difficult loss 1-0, but circumstance, not quality of play, determined the result. Emmanuel College visited the Owls ground next, and another classic match between the old rivals unfolded.
The final game of the first half of the season was set to be played away at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, TN, under the lights. The side started a bit slow, struggling with the rain slick surface, but soon found their form and began to dominate the fixture. Again, the opponents goalkeeper was their best player, and he made several sterling saves to deny certain goals. 65 minutes into the match, it came, as the Owls scored from a corner kick, to go up 1-0. Fantastic defending, excellent organization and work rate, and cheeky, purposeful play saw the WWC boys on to a hard fought road victory at the final whistle.
The Owls now find themselves at 3 wins 3 losses and 1 draw through the first half of their season, posting the best start in six years for the Men’s team. With the next several matches all being against very similar opposition, it should make for an exciting run to the end of their regular schedule. Stats at theuscaa.com. GO OWLS!!!