Just a few short weeks ago, the Georgetown men’s soccer team was in the midst of a five game winless streak, and seemed to be on track for another disappointing finish to the season. But, thanks to an unlikely duo, the Hoyas have turned the season around, capturing six straight victories.
The Hoyas have had a lot to celebrate about with their late season run. (Photo by Julianne Deno)
While the entire team has stepped up to get the season back on track, senior captain Jose Colchao and freshman midfielder Steve Neumann have been the motor behind the machine. The combination of youth and experience has been on a tear; Colchao is second on the team with 10 points and Neumann is leading the Hoyas with an astounding 22 points for the season.
“They both offer different things,” head coach Brian Wiese said. “Steve fits well into everything on the field, and Jose gives us pace to get behind the defense … they’re a great combination.”
Perhaps no game exemplifies how hot Neumann and Colchao’s performance has been like last Saturday’s huge victory over Big East rival Villanova.
The first half of the game was relatively quiet, and most of the play occurred in the midfield. Georgetown finally cracked the Villanova defense in the 38th minute when the ball found Colchao in the box. His shot ricocheted off Neumann and trickled slowly into the net, giving the Hoyas a 1-0 lead.
Emotions were running high when the second half started, with both teams going in hard for tackles. When one Villanova player apparently stomped on a fallen Hoya, Colchao pushed the Wildcat to the ground. The referee gave both players yellow cards.
Unfortunately, Villanova was next team to capitalize, when Dylan Renna sent an unassisted tally into the top corner to tie the match in the 56th minute.
Just six minutes later, Neumann and Colchao reclaimed the lead for the Hoyas. Colchao sent the ball to the top of the box to a charging Neumann. The freshman one-timed the pass with force into the left corner of the net for his second goal of the game.
“I was proud of the way we responded to their goal,” Wiese said. “That was the difference in the game.”
As the minutes wound down, Colchao went down the left wing and after one skillful move found himself with a breakaway. Colchao smoothly sent the ball to the opposite post, sealing the victory for Georgetown, 3-1.
Colchao and Neumann both received Big East Player of the Week awards for their performances.
On Wednesday night, the Hoyas took their winning streak on the road to face the University of Pittsburgh.
The first half was uneventful, and ended with a 0-0 score. The second half got physical again, and the referee issued three yellow cards. Colchao made the difference in the game again, breaking the scoreless tie in the 77th minute off a feed from fellow senior Seth C’deBaca.
“It is a massive win any time you can get three points,” Wiese said. “It wasn’t a pretty win with the horrible field conditions, but it’s a win we’re happy to take.”
With the end of the regular season in sight, the Hoyas might be tempted to shift their focus toward the post-season, where the team has struggled mightily in recent years. But Wiese said the rigorous Big East schedule is more than enough to keep his team’s focus.
“The postseason will take care of itself,” Wiese said. “Right now we’re focused on a much-improved Marquette team. … It’ll be a good test to see if we can hold serve at home.”
The Hoyas have a chance to continue their winning streak against the Golden Eagles this Saturday at home at 1 p.m.
