By Draven Dabrowski
Sports Writer
On a warm Tuesday night at Jess Dow Field, the university’s soccer team fell 1-0 to the Assumption University Greyhounds. The Owls’ failed to capitalize on late chances in the Sept. 23 matchup.
The match was scoreless for the entire first half, with both sides trading possession in midfield. The Owls’ back line stayed disciplined.
On the other end, the university created several chances, but they could not find the finishing touch. That inability to convert, Head Coach Adam Cohen said, is what ultimately made the difference.
“It’s about creating as many chances you can.” Adam Cohen said. “It’s also about being as efficient in those moments as possible.”
The Greyhounds were able to find the breakthrough midway through the second half. In the 70th minute forward Elizabeth Schoeneberger, a freshman, collected a pass in stride and finished low into the far corner.
The strike put Assumption University ahead and shifted the pressure onto the Owls.
From there on, the university pushed numbers forward. Midfielders pressed higher and outside backs overlapped on the wings. Several attempts forced the opposing goalkeeper into action, but the university could not find the net.
The loss dropped the team’s record to 1-3-2, and 0-2-1 in NE10 play. For the players, the frustration was clear, yet so was the determination to turn things around.
Defender Shelby Green, a senior, said the group is ready for the next opponent.
“There is a lot of energy, it will be senior night,” Green said. “Everybody else is ready, and every game is a new, fresh beginning.”
Cohen, who has spent over two decades as head coach of the team, has seen cycles of experienced groups and groups of younger players. This year, much of the team is made up of underclassmen.
Despite their relative inexperience, the team has potential.
Cohen said that this team has bought into trying to make their own legacy at the school.
“This team is awesome,” Cohen said. “They bring a really good energy, and I think they’re very competitive.”
Despite the loss, goalkeeper Abby Aughe, a senior, was again a steadying presence for the Owls. She made ten saves. Last week Aughe was named the NE10 Goalkeeper of the Week.
“I’ve been working really hard, so to get the recognition, it’s just really nice.” Aughe said.
The Owls still had chances to salvage a point. In the final 20 minutes, they had two corners. One looping header drifted just wide of the far post.
The Owls return to action in another NE10 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 27 against Saint Michael’s College, a 6-1-1 team whose defense has only allowed six goals in eight games.
“It’s another NE10 game. We got to get our first NE10 win,” Cohen said.
