The Webster University men’s soccer team couldn’t shock the region for a second straight week. On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Webster fell 4-2 to Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU). The IWU Titans were ranked No. 7 in the Division III Central Region by the NCAA.
After a tie with Wheaton College (Ill.), who was ranked eighth in the nation this past Saturday, Webster came out playing to not give up a goal and tried to work off counter attacks. Even with a majority of their team behind the ball at all times, IWU found ways through the back.
The Titans opened the scoring with a goal in the 27th minute and forced Webster to come out of the defensive shell in the second half.
The Gorloks stepped out with multiple scoring opportunities early. Five minutes into the second half, junior forward Pat McCaffey, scored his first goal of the season to tie the game off a low line drive cross from senior forward Clint Carder.
“I thought could have turned it around but those two goals (by IWU) after that just killed us,” McCaffey said.
Less than a minute later, the Titans took back the lead 2-1.
Sophomore midfielder Taylor Overstreet netted a goal to bring the Gorloks within one in the 73rd minute, but, ultimately, the Gorloks couldn’t capitalize on more scoring chances.
Webster was without four of their usual starters due to injuries — sophomore midfielder Josh Papes, midfielders Shea Vogt and Agustin Villalba, and defender Mickey Dennis, all seniors.
“That always hurts because not only do those guys provide leadership but they play extremely hard,” said Michael Siener, associate head coach. “Marty (Todt, men’s head soccer coach) always says we can’t make excuses for ourselves so those other guys should have been ready to perform.”
Webster coaches were disappointed with the loss but believe to have learned a few things from the loss.
“We played hard at times; I wouldn’t say it was our best effort of the year,” Siener said. “We learn something each game so we’ll come out hard at practice tomorrow and start to prepare for Saturday.”
Webster is back at home Saturday to host Illinois College at 3:30 p.m. The Gorloks’ record now stands at 3-4-1 overall.
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