2008 Woodie Awards
Titans exploit 'Hawks defense to end 16-game run
Mike Daly
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
An uncharacteristic defensive collapse Saturday against the UW-Oshkosh Titans caused the men's soccer team to drop its first contest since Sept. 2.
The Warhawks, visiting the Titans for a rare night game, had hoped to end the regular season with a victory and build momentum heading into the NCAA Division III tournament this week. The `Hawks were in a familiar position at halftime, as the defense held UW-Oshkosh scoreless. However, the `Hawks managed to get off just three shots of their own, and couldn't convert any of them.
In the opening minutes of the second half, the Titans provided the first offensive spark following a goal from defender Alex Minten, who took advantage of an assist from midfielder Will Howell. Soon after, the wheels fell off the `Hawks wagon.
Within 15 minutes of Minten's strike, Titans midfielders Adam Grant and Brandon Briones each added a goal. Howell then responded by, scoring off a penalty kick at the 69-minute mark to put the Titans up 4-0.
"Our concentration level wasn't to the fullest, and we all have to work on that," `Hawks forward Jason Blocker said. "We've never been down two goals this whole season, so once we get down we just have to pick ourselves up."
The `Hawks prevented a shutout when defender Ben Volz, assisted by midfielder Jeff Derer, scored off a header in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for UW-Whitewater, it was too little, too late, as the final score remained 4-1.
From Sept. 1-Oct. 7, the span in which UW-Whitewater played its first 13 matches, the `Hawks allowed a total of four goals. The usually stout defense allowed the same number of goals over a period of just 25 minutes Saturday.
"We all went through the game afterwards. … and even though we had this bad last game, we know we have to step up in the tournament," defender Ryan Richgels said.
The `Hawks are hopeful for an opportunity at redemption, and don't feel as though the loss has shaken their confidence.
"To do well in the tournament you have to remember that game and remember what you did wrong to correct it," Richgels said. "We [have to] move forward. In the end, if we make it to the Final Four, that game doesn't really matter."
The Warhawks, visiting the Titans for a rare night game, had hoped to end the regular season with a victory and build momentum heading into the NCAA Division III tournament this week. The `Hawks were in a familiar position at halftime, as the defense held UW-Oshkosh scoreless. However, the `Hawks managed to get off just three shots of their own, and couldn't convert any of them.
In the opening minutes of the second half, the Titans provided the first offensive spark following a goal from defender Alex Minten, who took advantage of an assist from midfielder Will Howell. Soon after, the wheels fell off the `Hawks wagon.
Within 15 minutes of Minten's strike, Titans midfielders Adam Grant and Brandon Briones each added a goal. Howell then responded by, scoring off a penalty kick at the 69-minute mark to put the Titans up 4-0.
"Our concentration level wasn't to the fullest, and we all have to work on that," `Hawks forward Jason Blocker said. "We've never been down two goals this whole season, so once we get down we just have to pick ourselves up."
The `Hawks prevented a shutout when defender Ben Volz, assisted by midfielder Jeff Derer, scored off a header in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for UW-Whitewater, it was too little, too late, as the final score remained 4-1.
From Sept. 1-Oct. 7, the span in which UW-Whitewater played its first 13 matches, the `Hawks allowed a total of four goals. The usually stout defense allowed the same number of goals over a period of just 25 minutes Saturday.
"We all went through the game afterwards. … and even though we had this bad last game, we know we have to step up in the tournament," defender Ryan Richgels said.
The `Hawks are hopeful for an opportunity at redemption, and don't feel as though the loss has shaken their confidence.
"To do well in the tournament you have to remember that game and remember what you did wrong to correct it," Richgels said. "We [have to] move forward. In the end, if we make it to the Final Four, that game doesn't really matter."
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