ISSUE 116 VOL 5 PUBLISHED 10/11/2002
After the homecoming football game this Saturday, the crowd made their way over to the Rolf Melby field to see the Ole mens soccer team battle the Gustavus Gusties. Despite the hard fought loss, the crowd was supportive, cheering heartily for the full 90 minutes of play. Junior defender Chris Gangl said going into the game, we wanted to try to get the forwards more involved, but after Gustavus constant pressure, much of the play was left up to the defense. The Oles have a strong defense this year. Their four back formation gives them the ability to cover for each other well and the flexibility to switch to offense quickly, keeping the pace of the game constant. We had one mental lapse in the first half, otherwise we shut them out, Gangl said. Although the Oles had a few opportunities to put it in the back of the net, they couldnt keep the Gusties pressure off in the second half. After two more goals 15 minutes into the second half, the frustrated Oles lost much of their intensity. This frustration is understandable, given the poor field conditions after two days of rain, and a few questionable calls by the referees. The Gusties put in a final fourth goal with 20 minutes left in the second half, leaving the final score at 4-0.
Gustavus, Macalester, and St. Marys are ranked first, second and third in the MIAC respectively, leaving St. Olaf in fourth with a 3-2-0 record in MIAC play and a 6-3-0 record overall. Although the Oles had hoped to down Gustavuss standings over homecoming weekend, they still have a chance to raise their own when they face off against Macalester on home turf, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Before the big game against the Scots, the men travel to Indianola, Iowa on Wednesday to challenge Simpson College.
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