By Kevin Saxe
@ksaxe98
SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday afternoon at Brock Affleck Field, the Springfield College men’s soccer team faced yet another tough non-conference opponent in the visiting Judges of Brandeis. Despite being even in total shots at 15 and having more shots on goal (nine compared to the Judge’s seven), the Pride would once again find themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. This time it would be a 2-0 final on two goals for Judges senior Max Breiter. Despite being disappointed by the loss head coach Tommy Crabill thought the Pride did a number of good things.
“Well I think it was a unique opportunity to play a tough opponent. We did some awesome things in both halves, more so in the second half. Obviously we are disappointed, disappointed in the loss. In this phase of the season we can often get distracted and fully focused on league play. I think that’s the smart thing and right way to go and you know we wanted to make more out of our attacking chances.”
For the Pride, like so many games, it came down to one bad stretch of a play that would ultimately end up costing the team the game in the long run. Brandeis was able to use quick passing to their advantage as it would result in Breiter would get the ball in front of Pride goalie Clay Knibbs. Breiter would bury it for his first goal of the match. Just over three minutes later a ball was sent towards the back line that narrowly eluded Pride defender Timothy Brereton and would end up on the foot of Breiter. Breiter would once again bury his chance to make the lead two.
For the Pride scoring chances were aplenty as in the latter stages of the first half, Springfield just couldn’t get anything on the net and when they did Judges Goalie Greg Irwin was there for the stop.
For the Pride the second half nearly started off with a bang as just under two minutes in Andrew Ma’s go at goal was stopped by Irwin before Ethan Boileau was unable to get enough on the second attempt in a matter of seconds. The Pride would continue to push the pace as Aiden Casinghino had a chance but once again Irwin was up to the task. The Pride’s best scoring opportunity came when Jaxon Tamulaites would get behind the defense on a well-timed run however like his teammates they couldn’t beat Irwin. Despite a lack of goals, Crabill was happy with the chances his team created.
“I think more guys getting in the attack and building relationships in passing between each other, movements off the ball and creating quality shots on goal was great.”
For the Pride they will have to turn the page quickly as they get set for a huge NEWMAC battle with WPI.
“I think we just have to stay focused play by play and win the little battles. If we win them in those moments we should be fine,” Crabill said.
Up next Brandeis returns to conference play with a road matchup at Emory on Nov. 1st. For the Pride they face WPI on Saturday at 11 a.m., in a critical conference matchup as they compete with Wheaton for the fifth and final spot in the NEWMAC tournament.
Featured photo courtesy Jack Margaros