SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Widener University men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with Swarthmore College on Thursday evening, outshooting the Garnet 19-13. However, the Pride fell to its local rival 2-1 in a gritty match.
Highlights
- Noah Saba recorded his second penalty kick goal of the year.
- Widener's 19 shots were the most in any game this season.
- John Warwick made three saves.
- Five different players had a shot on goal.
How it happened
The Garnet came out aggressive, pushing the ball downfield and eventually being awarded a corner kick just after the four-minute mark. Nearly one minute and 30 seconds later, Swarthmore found the back of the net, taking an early 1-0 advantage. The Pride did not flinch. WU generated three shots within a five minute span, attacking with purpose and moving the ball well. The Blue and Gold offense caused frustration for the Garnet, leading to a foul inside the Swarthmore box and a penalty kick. Saba blasted the shot past the home keeper, knotting the match at one in the 22nd minute. Keeping the pressure, the Pride came inches away from gaining the lead.
Peter O'Connor received the ball at the top of box and ripped a shot that just whizzed over the crossbar. The teams traded possessions to close out the half. Shots were even at seven heading into the intermission.
Still tight, the physicality of the game increased in the second half. A Swarthmore red card in the 57th minute shifted the momentum towards Widener. The Pride had a terrific scoring opportunities squandered in the 76th and 85th minutes by amazing saves from the Garnet keeper. After working the ball into the Widener zone with just under three minutes remaining, Swarthmore was granted a penalty kick. The Garnet capitalized on the opportunity, solidifying the final score.
Up next
Widener hits the road for DeSales on Saturday, September 7 for a matchup against the Bulldogs beginning at 7:00 p.m.
