Owls better than Setters

The men’s soccer team earned their first victory of the season. They defeated the Pace University Setters 1-0 at home. 

The Owls displayed their superior quality throughout the game. The team tallied seven shots on target, dwarfing Pace’s one. 

“We continued to stick to a plan that showed poise and confidence,” Head Coach Kevin Anderson said. 

Midfielder Ryad Benmessaoud, a freshman, was an anchor in the middle third. He was an effective distributor and leader. 

Lopsided possession and chances did not lead to a halftime advantage for the Owls. Benmessaoud sent a shot over the net, and a goal was called back for offside.

It was 0-0 at half, but the process was working. The Owls had established a clear foothold on the game. 

They were more physical than Pace, more disciplined. 

At halftime, the message from Anderson was clear: play simple, play early. 

In the second half, the Owls continued to lean on their opponent. They sent probing balls over the top. 

The Owls’ advances were enough to unsettle the Setters’ goalkeeper. In the 54th minute, defender Jah Nyanforh, a freshman, sent a dangerous ball into the penalty box. The Pace goalie lunged off of his line and made contact with an Owl striker. The referee blew for a penalty. 

Defender Edward Mensah, a graduate student, buried the chance chest-high into the right side of the net. 

Mensah peeled off to celebrate. The crowd breathed relief. His teammates embraced him. 

“There are more to come. This is not the first. It’s not going to be the last,” Mensah said. 

The call was controversial. Pace coaches and fans badgered the linesman. 

The game petered out. The Owls withstood what little the Setters had to throw their way. Goalkeeper Diego Flores, a freshman, was only forced to make one save. 

Perhaps an unsatisfying journey, but the product remained. 

“At the end of the day, it is the three points that are needed,” Mensah said. 

The Owls carried their three points proudly into their game against Assumption University on Saturday, Sept. 27. 

The season is heating up. NE10 competition is stiff. The pressure remains.

 After taking a moment to relish, Mensah refocused. 

“We have standards for this team,” Mensah said. 

A championship hunt requires the full attention of every student athlete on the roster. It requires a coach who demands more. 

A 1-0 victory on a penalty is not quite what the team was searching for, but it is a step toward enacting a vision set forth by their coach. 

“Let’s be brave,” Anderson said.