The Georgetown men’s soccer team took the D.C. College Cup for the first time in its three year existence, tying the American University Eagles 1-1 in a double overtime. The Hoyas won the tournament title on goal differential, 5-4.
The D.C. College Cup is a weekend of play between the four Division I schools in D.C.-American University, George Washington University, Georgetown University and Howard University. Georgetown’s performance this weekend was a far cry from the pitiful showing at last year’s tournament at American. The Hoyas were outscored 7-1 in the two games losing to both American and George Washington.
“It was an outstanding performance from our guys,” said Head Coach Keith Tabatznik. “We started excellent. Playing a great team like American which had so many seniors last year. This year we both had a young team.”
The Hoyas opened the tournament with a 4-0 shutout of Howard University on Friday at North Kehoe Field. First- year forward Ricky Schramm scored the first goal for the Hoyas off an assist from junior co-captain defender Dan Gargan. Gargan scored a goal of his own off a pass from sophomore defender Dan Pydo. 2002 Big East Rookie of the Year and Hoyas defender Jeff Curtin scored off a penalty kick resulting from Schramm being knocked down in the Howard box. Schramm struck again late in the second half, completing the Hoyas’ 4-0 shut-out of Howard.
Georgetown took on American University on Sunday for the deciding game of the tournament. The Eagles blanked the Hoyas 4-0 in last year’s match to take the tournament. The Hoyas began the tournament strong with the win against Howard and finished strong in a strenuous battle with American.
The Hoyas attacked early, posting two shots on goal while the defense held the Eagles to no shots on goal. American’s offense surged, posting more shots on goal and keeping senior goalkeeper Tim Hogan on his toes. The two teams were playing on the same level halfway through the second half, as possession fluctuated evenly. On defense, Curtin kept AU junior forward Andrew Herman from scoring, even though he posted great speed throughout the game. Herman moved with superior ability on the field; he had breakaways in both the first and second half but Curtin made some keep stops and kept him from scoring opportunities.
“We had to make some adjustments on defense, especially being one man down. I knew we just had to cover both sides,” Curtin said.
In the 24th minute, American scored a dramatic goal off a corner kick after Curtin downed an Eagle. The ball nearly went into the goal but was deflected by senior midfielder David Eder only to be touched by the Eagles offense again and blocked by Hogan. The ball was touched by American forward Peter Philipakos who kicked it in past Hogan and the Hoyas defense. The American defense began to get rough, taking two yellow cards within minutes of one another for taking down sophomore defender Chris Tansey and another for aggressive play on sophomore forward Kemmons Feldman.
“There were some bad fouls, but our guys just got up and kept playing,” said Tabatznik. “The referees got all the calls.”
In the second half, the Hoyas offense began to attack the Eagles’ goal, as Schramm beat the American goalie on a pass from Gargan and sophomore forward Dan Pydo for Georgetown’s first and only goal of the game. The American defense began to get restless, committing careless fouls. The Hoyas again attacked the Eagles’ goal, resulting in no score. Sophomore midfielder Danny McNally had the ball inside the American box, but his graceful bicycle kick failed to score. At the end of the second half, Pydo received a red card for aggressive contact with the American University goalkeeper’s face. The Hoyas held off the Eagles’ offense despite being down one man.
“We were just trying to pressure them upfront, being two men down” said Schramm.
The game went into extra time, but both teams failed to score. The Georgetown offense was not strong in either of the two overtimes, posting no shots on goal. American University was attacked the Georgetown goal but failed to convert. Although the Hoyas offense was quiet, the defense held off American for the win.
Gargan won MVP of the tournament for brilliant play throughout, while Schramm, Hogan and Curtin made the all-Tournament Team. Gargan was also named Big East Player of the Week and Schramm won Big East Rookie of the Week. Schramm was the top scorer of the weekend with three goals, while Gargan held American’s top scorer scoreless in the tournament.
“I came [to Georgetown] with an open mind and ready for anything,” said Schramm. “When I found out that I was starting, it was just unbelievable. I’m just trying to play my best because I know my place is not permanent.”
The Hoyas travel to Storrs, Conn. next weekend to take on Boston University on Friday and Indiana University on Saturday at the UConn/adidas Classic.
