Men’s Soccer: 2-6-1 (1-2-1 B1G)
After 107 minutes of soccer, the men’s soccer team grinded its way to a 2-1 win over Michigan on Sunday. In the first half, the ‘Cats had what looked like a header goal just miss the net, but were able to score off a corner kick 28 minutes in. Junior Elo Ozumba received the assist from senior Nathan Dearth and recorded his second goal of the season.
Despite being outshot 10-6 in the first half by the Wolverines, junior goalkeeper Francisco Tomasino made saves on all four shots on goal to keep the score 1-0 going into halftime. Tomasino was unable to stop Michigan’s shot in the 56th minute, and after that the game remained scoreless through regulation.
The first overtime period was scoreless, but Michigan’s defense was unable to stop the ‘Cats during a set piece in the second OT, when senior Drew Rosenberg passed the ball across the field to Dearth, leading to senior Mike Roberge’s game-winning goal.
The Wildcats are now 1-2-1 in the Big Ten, but they host No. 1 Maryland this Friday. Maryland hasn’t lost a game this season, and after losing in the NCAA quarterfinals last year, it’s safe to say the Terrapins are hungry to make it even farther this year. Tomasino’s save percentage is only .689 right now, but the defense as a whole will need to be more competitive if the team wants to end the season on a higher note.
Women’s Soccer: 10-1 (3-1 B1G)
After starting off their season 9-0, the Wildcats were shut out by Rutgers on Friday. Despite the 2-0 loss, they were able to come out on top against Maryland on Sunday and get their offensive game back on track with a 4-1 win.
The 'Cats only got three shots off against the Scarlet Knights, but turned it around with 16 total in College Park. Sophomore Marisa Viggiano had her first goal of the season 3:39 into the game and also had an assist in the second half. Senior Maria Grygleski and sophomore Kayla Sharples both got points on the scoreboard for the first time in the 2016 season, and junior Kassidy Gorman also scored. Seeing different names on the scoring list is a good sign for the ‘Cats, and team depth could be a differentiator when it comes to playing many of the other Big Ten teams.
When it comes to defense, the Wildcats are still looking good. So far this season they’ve only allowed four goals, and junior goalie Lauren Clem has continued to make great saves. With a Big Ten game coming up against No. 17 Ohio State, Clem will need to be ready for the 10.9 shots the Buckeyes average per game.
Head coach Michael Moynihan and the ‘Cats are still on track to have a season with more wins than last year’s 14, but it’s not going to be easy. Games against Michigan and Nebraska are both expected to be challenging before the Big Ten Tournament starting at the end of October.