Despite dominant play throughout the majority of the game, the Georgetown men’s soccer team fell to Villanova (8-2, 3-1 BE) 1-0 on Sunday. The loss marked their second in a row on the weekend homestand, including Friday’s 1-0 loss against Rutgers, and their sixth in the last seven games. What is most painful for the Hoyas (2-7, 1-4 BE) is that Sunday’s match marked their fifth 1-0 defeat of the season, and the sixth by a differential of one goal.
“It’s like the movie Groundhog Day,” Coach Wiese said. “I was really in a funk. I watched both games again last night. It’s one of these things where you don’t know what to do as a coach and you have to let it happen.”
Senior goalkeeper Joe Devine yielded his only goal during the opening minutes as Wildcats defender Matt Sleece headed in a free kick from the top of the six-yard box. Beyond the six minute mark, the defense held tough; Villanova managed only two more shots on goal for the duration of the match, both saved by Devine.
Georgetown dominated the second half in possession time and out-shot the Wildcats 11-4 and 18-14 for the game. Junior midfielder Corey Zeller alone had five of the shots and two on goal. The closest Georgetown came to netting an equalizer came late with sophomore midfielder Scott Larabe’s cross into the box, but junior defender Sean Bellomy was unable to get it in for the score.
With a slew of one-goal losses, including one in overtime on the road against top-ranked Connecticut three weeks ago, the Hoyas’ record does not necessarily reflect their play.
“I do feel like we’re playing well and having tons of chances.” Wiese said. “In my mind, we were the best team on the field.” The Hoyas’ second year coach also emphasized his team’s excellent defensive effort.
Injuries have limited some starting players. Eight freshmen, who Wiese says are confident, quick learners, have been asked to shoulder much of the load during the season.
“They didn’t look much like freshmen over the weekend,” Coach Wiese said.
The injury list recently expanded to include senior forward and Captain Mike Glaccum, who, despite a doctor’s recommendation to sit out for four weeks, came off the bench on an injured ankle to give the team a boost.
“It is tough to come off the bench and try to get us out of this funk,” Glaccum admitted. “We’re pressing a little bit. I think it’s in the backs of everyone’s minds. If we can get a win, score some goals and gain some momentum, one of these games we’re going to catch a break.”
Coach Wiese stressed the need to be opportunistic. He will not look to change much in the team’s approach other than working to finish plays. Weise anticipates that Georgetown will have its hands full with Providence (5-3-1, 2-1-1) this Saturday on Kehoe, but echoed his captain’s sentiments concerning the team’s luck.
“I also think it’s a game where if we do things right, have the same type of game as this past weekend, it’s a question of time,” he said. “I think we’re overdue. It’s going to pay off at some point for the bad luck we’ve had.”
