After just one week of school, the Georgetown men’s soccer team faced the first of what will be many tests this season in a pair of games against stellar opponents. Fortunately for the Hoyas, they passed with flying colors.
This is Georgetown! The Spartans can’t handle the relentless Hoya attack. (Photo by Max Blodgett)
The squad opened the 2010 season last Friday afternoon at home against the Northeastern Huskies.
“Everything you’ve done in preseason goes out the window,” head coach Brian Wiese said. “We were playing a great Northeastern team and we didn’t really know what to expect from the guys.”
But one thing became immediately apparent the moment the Huskies stepped on to the field: They were in Georgetown country, and the fans were going to be vocal all game long. This was due in no small part to the new student section added behind the eastern goal, putting the over 400 raucous Hoya students on the field, just steps from the players.
“That was the best part about the game by far,” junior forward Uche Onyeador said. “It was awesome to have so many students there.”
The Hoyas controlled the game early, creating small opportunities for themselves every few minutes while keeping the Huskies in check, but the first half ended in a scoreless draw.
Georgetown regrouped at the half and came out with tons of energy and organization. In the 66th minute, the Georgetown skill finally broke the Northeastern defense as senior forward Jose Calchao scored the first goal.
Although the Hoyas defense stood strong all game, the heat appeared to wear on both teams, leading to a Husky chance in the 84th minute. Northeastern capitalized on the opportunity, as Ricardo McDonald kicked in the equalizer. Regulation ended with both teams deadlocked at 1-1.
After the first overtime period ended in a draw, it looked like the Hoyas might start the season with a tie. However, Wiese never stopped actively coaching, liberally subbing players in and out of the game throughout the overtime period.
In the 108th minute, the recently subbed-in Onyeador streaked down the left side and received the ball from freshman Steve Neumann. Onyeador took a touch, and then unleashed an absolute firecracker off the far post and into the goal, giving Georgetown the win.
“It was a crushing blow when they scored so late in the game,” Onyeador said. “Luckily I came on, got my chance, and was able to finish.”
On paper, the Hoyas’ next opponent offered a tougher challenge. Ranked 24th nationally, the Michigan State Spartans entered Sunday’s game at North Kehoe fresh off an impressive win at the University of Maryland.
“We came into Sunday a lot more relaxed,” Wiese said. “After getting that first win, we knew a bit more about ourselves and how we wanted to play.”
Apart from a near goal by MSU in the early minutes, Georgetown was the dominant team, opening up the scoring sheet with a goal from Onyeador, the only goal of the first half.
Whereas in the past the Hoyas might have been inclined to give up the next goal and let the Spartans back into the game, this year’s squad slammed the door shut with an inspired second half performance.
Sophomore Andy Reimer scored the Hoyas’ second goal after two quick touches and a laser from the top of the box past the outstretched Spartan keeper in the 53rd minute.
The Hoyas added two more goals in the half from freshmen Steve Neumann and Gabe Padilla as the game ended in a convincing 4-0 Hoya victory.
Although happy to be off to a good start, Wiese was quick to put the weekend into perspective.
“It’s not like we can hang up a big sign saying ‘Mission Accomplished’, and then do nothing,” Wiese said. “All it is, is a good start. … We have 15 more games to go.”
The weekend not only gave the Hoyas two victories, but also a pair of Big East honors. Onyeador was named Big East offensive player of the week, while senior Matthew Brutto was named Big East goalkeeper of the week.
The Hoyas will travel to New Mexico for this weekend’s TLC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Lobo Invitational. Georgetown opens the tournament against an extremely tough University of New Mexico team, which is playing at home with over 4,000 fans expected to attend. Game time is scheduled for Friday at 9 p.m. EST.
