The men's soccer team began their regular season at home on a high note, beating Millikin University in overtime 2-1 on Saturday. The team then lost 1-0 to Trine University in a physical game on Sunday.
In both games, Head Coach Brad Hauter was impressed by the possession in the opposite zone and the scoring chances.
"I was very thrilled to see all the opportunities develop by our possession in the offensive zone," Hauter said. "We showed a lot of promise in our attack."
Over the span of both games, the Tigers had a total of 50 shots. However, they were only able to score two goals due to the play of both Millikin's and Trine's goalkeepers.
"There are two parts to finishing a good ball and on frame," Hauter said. "I feel like this weekend we did both, and we forced the goalkeeper's to make saves."
Hauter described Millikin's and Trine's goalkeepers as "red hot."
"Sometimes you're just in that moment where everything is in slow motion, and you can get to everything," he said. "They were saving balls in the corners and screamers far post."
In the first game against Millikin, the Tigers won in overtime, partly due to two goals by freshman forward Andy Morrison in his collegiate debut.
"I felt ready coming into the game to help DePauw, and I knew that I needed to create opportunities," Morrison said.
Millikin struck first in the first half and at the halftime whistle still lead 1-0. Morrison scored in the second half to tie the game and scored the game winner in overtime.
"Both of my goals were set up by great outside attack down the line," Morrison said. "They were great crosses. They slipped through the defender, and all I had to do was finish."
The following day's game against Trine was a very physical one, according to Hauter.
"Both teams were very fast, intense and strong teams," Hauter said, "We both had played in 95 degree weather the day before, and fatigue and intensity creates over-zealousness on tackles."
That fatigue and intensity resulted in a red card for a player on the Trine team. Hauter said that playing a man up can sometimes be a psychological disadvantage for the team up, though.
"Playing a man up can result in a psychological disadvantage sometimes because the players can think that if they are a man up then a goal is bound to happen at some point," Hauter said. "And the opposition will create a new scheme and reposition their defense."
Hauter was impressed by the team's play this weekend and hopes to turn those scoring chances into goals. The Tiger's play again today at Hanover College at 5:30pm.