The men’s soccer team lost away games against Bryant University on Saturday and Fordham University on Tuesday by final scores of 1-0.
The Leopards (1-3 overall) struggled to hold a strong defense at Bierne Stadium against the Bulldogs (3-0-1 overall). During the first half, the Leopards allowed multiple shot attempts, including at the third minute with a long ball saved by senior goalkeeper Eric Axtman. He could not hold on for long, however, as Bryant ultimately scored its only goal during the 19th minute of the game.
“We were just basically defending shadows at that point,” senior defender Nicholas Liebich said. “They were just passing around us. It was definitely a slow first half for us, and they were definitely dominating the chances and possessions.”
In the second half, the Maroon and White amped up the pressure. Samir Dishnica received a strike from midfield and beat his defender to launch a shot-on-goal at the 68th minute, but was ultimately denied en route to the shutout loss.
“We came together as a group, we were not happy with the effort we were giving,” Liebich said. “We had to be more physical and be strong on the ball and defend, be stronger in every aspect of the game.”
Returning to play on Tuesday, the Leopards put up a strong fight against Fordham (2-1-1 overall). During the first half, the Rams held possession of the ball with two goal attempts during the 16th and 21st minutes, but the Leopards hung in tight defensively.
After being barraged with several threatening strikes, the Leopard defense rebounded in the 34th minute. Freshman duo midfielder Cade Maglione and forward Gabe Faust won possession near midfield and looked to return the favor, although they failed to put up a shot.
“It’s just all about communication, making sure we are organized in the back, and getting pressure on the ball,” Liebich said.
He added that the team scouted against Fordham’s offensive attack, looking to key in on and limit specific players.
“Obviously, we knew that they have one of the most dangerous players in the country attacking-wise, so just being aware of where he was on the field and shutting him down the best we could,” Liebich said of Fordham’s Daniel D’Ippolito.
While the Leopards held their own throughout the game, it was an unfortunate error that allowed Fordham to win. The Rams got the ball in the wing and failed to connect on the shot, but the ball deflected off Liebich’s foot and bounced in the goal.
“Definitely an unlucky goal that we could’ve probably avoided, but it’s something we will definitely learn from,” Liebich said. “It definitely hurt because it felt like we were playing good soccer during that game, and we were definitely in a good position to win that game.”
Despite starting off 1-3, Liebich said the team is hopeful for its upcoming home match against Fairfield University (2-1 overall) on Saturday.
“It’s all about getting a couple of wins under our belt,” Liebich said. “Also playing at home, we always take pride in protecting our house and making Metzgar a difficult place for opponents to play out.”