Young men's soccer team eager to start MWC play

By: Jordan Hedburg
Contributing Writer   

The men’s soccer team learned what they need to work on this week as they get ready to start conference play.

Last weekend the Scots played on Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 16. Both games showed off the Scots’ defensive strength, but they feel short of a win in each game.

On Sept. 15 they faced off against Central College on home turf in a nail biting defensive battle. Both teams were scoreless in the first half with great defensive plays made by Monmouth’s goal keeper Owen Robinson and defender Bryan Jackson, both of whom are sophomores.

A few minutes into the second half, Central was able to score on a deep ball down the middle of the field and scored again 14 minutes later, to complete the games’ scoring.

On Sept. 16 the Scots went down to Coe College to take on the Kohawks in another defensive showdown. Once again, Robinson played like a brick wall and racked up 10 saves on the day.

Two scoreless overtimes did not decide the game and the Scots ended the game in a tie with the Kohawks.

Head Coach George Perry of the Scots said the team was disappointed with the lack of offense lately but was confident  the team has the talent and skill to get the ball rolling.

Last week was supposed to start the Scots’ race for the conference championship and a playoff berth, as they were set to travel to Grinnell College on Tuesday, Sept. 18. What would have been Monmouth’s first conference game was postponed due to lightning and poor weather.

The Scots will practice hard for their first conference game, which will be against Knox College on Sept. 29.

“We need to work on our passing and scoring opportunities this week and go take care of business,” Perry said.

The Monmouth team is very young with only three seniors to lead the team, but they have proven themselves to be able to play very solid soccer with only two losses in pre-conference play.