Soccer team loses at home

September 18, 2006 —

Despite controlling the pace of the game during both halves, the SVSU men's soccer squad dropped a home game 3-1 to Ashland Sunday, marking its fourth consecutive loss and second home loss.

The Cards outplayed the Eagles on the attack, making short, diagonal runs in the 20-yard box and sending in crisp passes from the wings. Despite the quality service from the midfield, the Cards could not place the ball in the net, missing the mark several times, including two botched free kicks that could have affected the outcome of the match.

"We couldn't put it away," said coach Andy Rismawi. "There were a lot of shots over."

Ashland forward Albert Smith opened the scoring of the match, finishing on a precise assist from midfielder Dean Williams. Williams would score unassisted before the half was over.

The Cardinals' potent attack was repeatedly stuffed by a steadfast Eagles defense, which would prove unassailable for the entire game.

Senior midfielder Matt Urick netted the lone goal for the Cards before the break, cutting the Eagles' lead in half and establishing the momentum of the match firmly in favor of the Cardinals.

Ashland began working their counterattack early in the second half, which initially troubled the Cardinals. But once the Cards got accustomed to the Eagles wing-based midfield play, they again began to dominate possession, making numerous runs deep into Ashland territory.

Yet the men could not convert, and once they turned the ball over, the Eagles capitalized, scoring on all three changes in possession.

"Today was our best day for turnovers - we only had three - but they scored on all of them," Rishmawi said.

SVSU will be on the road this weekend, taking on conference leader Mercyhurst and then Gannon. The time spent in Pennsylvania could shape the rest of the Cardinals' season.