IUPUI Men’s Soccer Team Falls 3-0

October 15, 2016 Colton Bennett

The IUPUI men’s soccer team lost on Wednesday in their non-conference matchup against the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Jaguars let in an early goal and were never able to bounce back ultimately resulting in a 3-0 score line.The Jags had chances from the get go including five corner kicks in the first 20 minutes of action but were unable to capitalize on any of their chances.

“I think, unfortunately for us, on the night we never had (service and a finishing touch) come together on one individual set play,” said Coach Brian Barnett. “On one or the other there was always one key piece missing and we couldn’t get it done.”

The Jags best opportunity on the night came when forward Uriel Macias chipped a ball over the Bearcats’ backline to fellow forward Pape Ndiaye. Ndiaye’s volley drew an acrobatic save from the Bearcats keeper to keep the home team off the board.

On the night, the Jags were able to outshoot the Bearcats 9-7 but none were able to hit the back of the net. Many of the Jaguars’ chances came from shots well outside the box and did not cause much trouble for the away goalkeeper.

“One of the things they were able to do really well was to get anywhere from six to eight players just concentrated and compact right on top of each other in and around the penalty area,” Barnett said. “When we were able to combine and get in advance of them into those areas of the field, there was just so many bodies in the center protecting the goal that it was really tough to break through.”

One of the brightest spots of the match for the Jaguars was Sophomore Nick Anderson’s play in the center of the defensive line. Throughout the night, Anderson was able to win tackles and balls out of the air for the Jags including a sliding challenge in a one-on-one situation.

“He’s been a leader for the guys at the back line both vocally but then by example,” Barnett said. “Winning so many tackles and getting in and being able to turn the opponents over then taking our team in the other direction.”

Following the loss, the Jags are now 1-11 this season with six regular season games and the Summit League tournament still to play. Although it has been a tough season thus far, Barnett says there have still been positives to take away from games like these.

“If nothing else, I look out there at a team that competed 100 percent and gave their best effort from the opening whistle to the final whistle,” Barnett said. “At the end of the day that’s one of the number one things I’m going to ask from my team.”

The Jags next game will be a conference showdown against Oral Roberts in Tulsa Saturday Oct. 15 and their next home game will be Wednesday Oct. 19 beginning at 7 p.m.