Photo by Austin Drucker ‘17
With one match to go, Lafayette men’s soccer faces the harsh reality that its playoff aspirations are not completely in its control. Lafayette must defeat Loyola Maryland tomorrow and hope both Colgate and Boston University lose in order to make the Patriot League Tournament.
“The guys really need to focus on bringing energy and focus to the game this weekend,” senior midfielder Alec Golini said. “When we are bringing a high level of energy, all 28 guys, we definitely play at a higher level. That has been the case all season.”
The team currently holds the eighth spot in the conference with eight points and will need a resulting three points from a victory in order to have a chance at playoff birth.
“It will be important to get out to a strong start against Loyola. If everyone brings energy and does their job, I have no doubt we’ll get the result we need on Saturday night,” Golini said.
This season has been defined by a staggering defense and a woeful offense. With one conference game to go, the Leopards are tied for second in the Patriot League in goals against per game, overall goals against, and shutouts for the season. On the other side of the field though, they are eighth in assists per game, ninth in goals per game and overall points. This year’s team also holds the record for most ties in a single season with 8.
“Our record would look a lot better on paper had we turned those ties into wins. But at the end of the day, our goals are to have a winning season and to win a championship, and we are still able to achieve both of those goals,” Golini said.
Despite losing its last non-conference match on Tuesday night against NJIT 1-0, Lafayette held an 11-7 advantage in shots and 6-1 edge in corners. If the team is able to improve its scoring efficiency this weekend it will have a good shot at defeating Loyola.
“It will be important to get out to a strong start against Loyola. If everyone brings energy and does their job, I have no doubt we’ll get the result we need [tomorrow] night,” Golini said.