The men's soccer team (2-1) earned its second victory of the season with three goals off an explosive attack in Tuesday's game against Hanover College (0-2).
"I love our attack, we are incredibly dynamic," said head coach Brad Hauter. "DePauw teams have been built on defense in the past but this year we have a lot of very good players up front."
The Tigers have doubled their shots per game so far this season, in comparison to last season. The constant pressure up front has helped the team bring an offensive edge against their opponents, and it showed against Hanover in the 3-1 victory.
"We took advantage of a weaker team, and we were able to attack more and control the ball," said senior forward Ryan Keefe. "We tried to use our speed to open up the field to get the ball to our forwards."
The Tigers held a 31-5 advantage in shots. Senior Sam Meyer scored two of the three goals for DePauw.
"Ever since camp, we have had a good vibe from our leaders," Hauter said. "At halftime, at 1-1, we challenged our leaders to find a way, and they responded with two goals and holding the lead to win."
Keefe scored the first goal off a penalty kick in the ninth minute.
"It was the first time we have had the early lead this year," Keefe said. "It's a good morale booster but can also be a blessing in disguise because you can let off the gas pedal."
That advantage helped the Tigers build momentum early in the game and carry it through 90 minutes of play.
"We are not used to the early lead," Hauter said. "It's great that we can come from behind, but it's great that we can get an early lead and hang onto it."
Perhaps the most amazing goal so far this season occurred in the game against Hanover.
"Keefe was playing back on defense, and using his excellent vision, sent a ball between defenders to a breaking Meyer," Hauter said. "Instead of beating the keeper off the dribble, Sam ripped a shot from 25, a bending, dipping bomb and sent it past the keeper."
The Tigers are hoping to keep up the attack and focus on finishes Saturday on Boswell Field at 2 p.m. against Earlham College (0-3) and then against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (1-2) on Sunday at 2 p.m.