By Owen Farley
@owenfarley_18
SPRINGFIELD – On Saturday afternoon, Springfield men’s soccer hosted its Senior day against Wheaton at Brock-Affleck Field in another NEWMAC conference battle.
However, the game did not live up to its pregame excitement, as it ended in a 0-0 draw.
The Pride started the first few minutes strong as they created a scoring chance just a minute into the game, but a Parker Thornton shot just missed wide right but the play seemed promising for the Pride.
The next 25 minutes was all Wheaton, as the Lyons were able to keep the ball in Springfield’s half and pass around the defense.
The Wheaton offense found success advancing the ball down the touchline almost every possession, creating good angles to swing crosses into the Springfield box. The Lyons got a couple good shots on goal but fortunately for Springfield, Noah Pote was able to make great saves, and not let Wheaton take an advantage on the scoreboard.
With 17:35 left to play in the first half Springfield created another scoring opportunity. Connor Policarpio fired a shot that was deflected by a sliding Wheaton defender in the box, leading to another off target shot for Springfield.
Just nine minutes later, Springfield set up for a free kick on the left sideline. Matthew Mela took his kick and the ball went through a sea of Wheaton defenders in the box to Rian Lovell. When he took his shot, it was again blocked by the Wheaton defense.
As both teams went into halftime the score was knotted at 0-0 despite multiple scoring opportunities for each team.
Just a minute and a half into the second half, it was looking like Wheaton was going to be the team that broke through offensively. Gael Vera brought the ball into the Springfield box and took a shot, but Springfield’s Brandon Trent was able to deflect the shot wide of the goal.
Almost eight minutes later, Springfield had a nice chance as Policarpio made a nice through-ball pass to the right wing, finding Tommy Quiterio. He crossed the ball into the air through Wheaton defenders, but the Springfield offense ran in too early as the ball went by everybody leaving the Springfield fans in shock in the bleachers.
With 16:07 left to play Wheaton was able to make another run down the field as Vera had a wide open lane to the goal. He took a shot, but Pote was able to make another miraculous save, sliding as the ball bounced off of his legs and out of bounds to keep the game remaining at zero a piece.
“Well Noah’s really composed,” Springfield head coach Tommy Crabill said. “We’re thrilled that he’s playing with this level of confidence because this is what it takes for NEWMAC games.”
Wheaton had 20 shots, nine of which were on goal. Compared to Springfield’s eight shots, zero of them were on goal. Wheaton clearly had the shots advantage but was unable to capitalize as the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
The Springfield defense was very stout and did not give up as Noah Pote was making save after save to earn a shutout in today’s game.
“They were very composed against our opponent who wants to move the ball a certain way.” Crabill said. “They deserve a shutout, no doubt about it.”
The offense also played with a ton of aggression and didn’t let up either, pinning Wheaton in their own zone with an aggressive press.
“You have to have the courage to really chase and pursue and try to press the opponent into tough spots,” Crabill said. “For a match this intense with an opponent who’s really looking for points I couldn’t be happier with the whole team’s performance.”
Springfield’s record is now 5-7-3 on the season and 3-2-2 in the NEWMAC conference, tying for third in the conference.
Springfield’s next game is on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. hosted by Framingham State, where they will look to get back into the win column.
(Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics/Instagram)