By Owen Farley
@owenfarley_18
Springfield men’s soccer fell to Skidmore, 3-0, on Saturday evening at Brock-Affleck field.
After a great 3-0 win over Curry College on Sept. 10, Springfield was looking to continue its win streak in Saturday’s joust.
The game appeared as though it was going to be back and forth after the first 20 minutes of the game. The ball was bouncing between Springfield and Skidmore’s half, with each team making valiant efforts on both ends of the pitch.
10 minutes into the game, Skidmore’s Colin Goodhines and Tobias Catizone were passing the ball around and making good runs in the midfield before Catizone fired a shot. Springfield goalie Tommy Fenton made a miraculous diving save to prevent Skidmore from getting on the board early.
With eighteen minutes to go in the first half, Springfield’s Parker Thornton passed a tight through ball into the Skidmore six yard line – whizzing by the defense – but, unfortunately, the Pride couldn’t capitalize on the golden opportunity. Fans were shocked, highlighted by having hands on their heads.
Following the play, Springfield forward Cole Sampson committed a foul in front of their own 18 yard line, setting up Skidmore for a Goodhines free kick. He lined up and struck the ball into the back of the net right over the diving hand of Fenton to take a 1-0 lead with 17:47 to go in the first half.
No later than a minute after Skidmores first goal, Connor Mansfield received a pass from Dillon Nelson, which was delivered into the box. Mansfield ripped a shot that went upper ninety – in the top right corner – extending Skidmore’s lead to two unanswered.
Although they were trailing, the Pride didn’t look to give up. They continued making good plays down field, and kept the ball in Skidmore’s half. With 12 minutes left, Springfield’s Jared Kelly sent in a curling pass from the right side of the field into the box for teammate Erving Henderson, but the Skidmore defense was ready to stop the play — halting any ensuing momentum.
With 9:37 left in the first half and the possessions again switching between the two programs, Skidmore’s midfield and forward duo struck yet again as Catizone found Goodhines just in front of the 18 yard box. Catizone drilled a shot into the back of the net to give Skidmore a 3-0 lead.
While Springfield’s offense and defense was playing well, it was Skidmore’s looks on goal that was the difference maker. At halftime, the Thoroughbreds led in shots on goal, 6-0.
Yet, the Pride’s offense stayed determined, never letting up in the second half. By the sound of the buzzer, Springfield out-shot Skidmore with shots on target for the second half, 5-1.
However, Springfield just couldn’t find the back of the net.
“We talk a lot at halftime, but in soccer only they get to play, so they have to go out and execute and I’m proud of how they played in the second half but it wasn’t enough,” head coach Tommy Crabill said.
Springfield’s first-year midfielder, Henderson, had four of the five shots on goal in the second half of the game. All were very good looks and shots, but the Skidmore goalie was determined for that shutout.
“We made a lot of great chances, so capitalizing on those changes the game, we really should probably be five to five that game: it wasn’t,” Crabill said.
The Pride upped the ante in the second half – generating nine shots – but none of them found the back of the net. Springfield’s defense also had a better showing in the second half, as no more goals were conceded.
With the loss the Pride dropped to 1-3-1 on the season, and will look to bounce back in a clash against Wesleyan University on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics