The old saying goes that “a win is a win,” but for Georgetown seniors Andrew Keszler, Ricky Schramm, Benjamin Jefferson-Dow, Daniel Grasso and Tim Convey, Saturday’s overtime thriller was so much more. In the final game of their illustrious careers on the Hilltop, the five seniors ended a disappointing season on a high-note with a win over Big East bottom feeder Marquette (1-15-1, 0-11 BE). Yet for all the focus on the seniors, it was sophomore midfielder Corey Zeller who won the game with a darting strike into the top-left corner of the net just minutes into the first overtime, bringing the Hoyas’ frustrating season to a more respectable (6-11, 3-8 BE) close.
“It was a happy and sad day at the same time,” Jefferson-Dow said. “These last four years were a challenge but a good challenge. I feel I have really grown up over the last four years and enjoyed my time here.”
An overtime victory for the Hoyas was a welcome change for a team that has struggled to win the close games all season long. In a game that had no postseason consequences, as both teams were already eliminated from Big East Tournament qualification, the Hoyas found a way to overcome their inability to close out games and managed to honor their seniors not only with an emotional pre-game ceremony but with a gritty win that showed pride and determination as well.
While this game could have been used to build towards next year, the main focus of the day was the seniors and all that they had given to the program. The praise was well deserved. Co-captain Ricky Schramm was named 2004 Big East Offense Player of the Year and last year made the All-Big East Third Team. Fellow co-captain Tim Convey’s accomplishments include earning a spot on the All-D.C. College Cup for the last three years. Fellow seniors Daniel Grasso, Benjamin Jefferson-Dow and Andrew Keszler also accumulated numerous awards including two-time Big East Academic All-Star, 2005 Big East Honorable Mention and Georgetown’s most improved player in 2005, respectively.
For all their accomplishments and all of the emotions of Senior Day, Georgetown as a team came out flat and uninspired. Creating few chances to attack and playing passive defense, the Hoyas were out-shot by Marquette 10-6 in the first half. After receiving a stern scolding at halftime from Head Coach Brian Wiese, the Hoyas responded in the second half with better ball movement and more creative attempts on goal.
“First half was pretty slow,” Zeller said of the team’s overall performance. “But coach got on us at halftime, and we came out and pushed a bit harder and got some better chances.”
It wasn’t until overtime, however, that Georgetown’s efforts were rewarded. Going into extra time with a 1-3 overtime record and a 2-5 record in games decided by one goal, doubts were high. Strong senior leadership and the right foot of Zeller made sure that Saturday would be special.
“It is obviously nice to win the last game,” Jefferson-Dow said for the seniors. “It feels good.”
Wiese, in his first year as Georgetown’s soccer coach, echoed his seniors’ sentiments and praised all of them, who he was able to coach for one year.
“It’s five very talented kids that love this place, and for me that’s very clear,” he said. “They will be missed for the creativity, enthusiasm and energy that they bring.”
While the seniors will be missed, the future looks bright for Hoya soccer in the Big East, as they have a good core of returning players and recruits to fill the seniors’ shoes.
“I just wish my teammates the best of luck next year,” Jefferson-Dow said. “We have a lot of guys coming back. I just hope they keep getting better.”
