After seven games, the men's soccer team has established its team identity as an offensive threat. With dynamic forwards senior Sam Meyer and freshman Andy Morrison working up front, the question is not whether they will get chances but whether their shots will challenge the opposing goalkeeper.
DePauw won 2-0 over Franklin College (4-4) at home Wednesday night. The Tigers recorded 19 shots in the victory, forcing eight saves from the Franklin goalkeeper. Head coach Brad Hauter was very happy with the chances created but a little disappointed in the shots taken.
"We are a dangerous team," Hauter said. "But when we get into the box, we self destruct a little bit. I'm really excited about the way we create opportunities. I'm disappointed in the fact that we aren't making the goal keeper make a save."
Hauter concluded that exhaustion due to their hard work caused the team to be missing the goal on numerous shots.
"Fatigue caused us to be taking shots from 20 to 30," Hauter said. "That's not our game, when we are fresh we get in a little bit further, I think that it's a fitness thing."
Morrison, who scored a goal and had an assist, said the shooting was more of wanting to open up the game.
"We wanted that second goal," Morrison said. "We wanted to break the game open."
The Tigers definitely had their chances in the second half with the Franklin defense playing slower against DePauw's constant offensive attack. DePauw could have taken more advantage of the slower defense but settled for outside shots instead of meticulously working the ball deep into the box.
Although the Tiger's fatigue caused some desperate shots, Hauter was very impressed in their ability to work the opposing defense.
"In the teams we have been playing there are a lot of zonal defensive schemes," Hauter said. "When we move the ball quicker than the zone can shift we are at our best."
Morrison mirrored Hauter's assessment.
"When we can move the ball north and south, and east to west, we make the defense work and they get gassed," Morrison said.
The Tigers did record the shutout win, but Hauter says work still needs to be done on the defensive side of the pitch.
"I felt that the defense did a good job of limiting opportunities and Nate [Sprenkel] made some great late saves," Hauter said. "But we are settling more than clearing, I was pleased with the shutout but there are a lot of things to smooth out."
The Tigers are hoping to keep up their solid play offensively and defensively against Hiram College (4-0-1) at home Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Last season Hiram finished in the middle of the pack in the NCAC with a record of 3-5. Look for the Tigers to continue their six-game winning streak and improve their accuracy in shots on goal.
