Men's Soccer News

DePauw 2 - Centre 1

The Centre – DePauw match-up has always been an extremely tough match for both sides since DePauw's entrance into the SCAC in 1998. However, the results have been extremely one-sided, in favor of DePauw. With Centre's sole victory coming in 1998, DePauw has controlled the series with an impressive 1-5-2 record. Centre came into this game coming off two very tough road losses in Texas , and needed a win over DePauw to continue to clinch any type of post-season hopes.

The boys seemed in good spirits coming into this match, and were excited to move on after the games against Southwestern and Trinity. This was our Soccer Alumni Weekend and with a pig roast and chili cook-off, the atmosphere was impressive, and the guys were looking forward to turning things around. The game started off well, with Centre doing a good job of controlling the game and really looking to grab that first goal. However, it would be DePauw that would get on the board first, scoring their first goal in the 17 th minute. A slight breakdown in our midfield defensively and DePauw would capitalize on that opportunity. The team responded well, as it isn't the first time we have been down this season. They continued to fight and nearly came up with the equalizer a couple of times. Our best opportunity came when junior striker Nick Judah ( Louisville , KY ) would get behind DePauw's defense and have a 1 v. 1 with their goalkeeper. However, Nick would be clipped from behind by a DePauw defender just inside the box. A very controversial no-call on this and the game would resume. Without a doubt the most blatant and obvious foul we have seen all year, and yet we receive nothing. Such is soccer. No justice.

DePauw would again net before the half to make the score 2-0. On the half, Centre would hold the advantage on shots, 6-4. With both teams receiving 2 corners apiece. Certainly not how we had envisioned the game to go in the first half, and we would regroup, change our tactics and come out and press DePauw in the second half.

We would start the 2 nd half with three strikers and really look to put DePauw under. We did that, and would notch our first goal of the game in the 55 th minute. Judah would receive a ball from defender John Templeton (Chattanooga , TN ) and net his 12 th goal of the season. Things looked to be going our way.

Centre would continue to press the rest of the way, and would nearly notch the equalizer on several occasions. The best opportunity in the half would come from junior striker Matt Hoskins ( Lexington , KY ). Hoskins, who played very well on the night, would hit a full volley from 20 yards out that would dip over the keeper and just nick the underside of the crossbar, nearly bouncing in. A great shot and just inches from being that needed game-tying goal.

The game would end with DePauw up 2-1, and Centre dropping our third straight. It just wouldn't be our night, as we truly couldn't catch a break; hitting the post, crossbar, and having the ball cleared off the goal-line several times. Give DePauw credit, they brought all they had, and we just couldn't make it happen. For the game, Centre would have the edge in shots, 12-8. We now move on to our final weekend, with games against Austin College and Hendrix. No doubt the boys will move on, and look to finish the season on a high note.