Stifling Elmhurst Defense Dooms Men’s Soccer Team
Oct 21, 2014
ELMHURST, Ill. – The University of Dubuque men’s soccer team couldn’t get their offense going as Elmhurst took home the win, 2-0, on Tuesday night.
The Spartans (5-7-3, 3-1-1 IIAC) faced a defensive-minded team that held them to just three shots, including one on goal. It was their lowest total of the season as offensive opportunities were hard to come by.
Despite a 0-0 halftime score, the Bluejays (9-3-3, 2-1-1 CCIW) had some luck on their side early in the second half. Reigning IIAC Defensive Performer of the Week Riley Jensen saved an Elmhurst attempt in the 61st minute that caromed off his hands right to an open Bluejay in front of the net. They would follow up in the 79th minute with a penalty kick conversion to conclude the night’s scoring.
Kyle Klatka tried to rally the troops with UD’s lone shot on goal in the form of a header in the 80th minute, but to no avail.
Elmhurst used their stingy defense to set up an offense that put up a season-high 21 shots. The Bluejays also held the advantage in corner kicks, 9-1, on the evening.
Defensively for Elmhurst, it was just another game after leading the CCIW conference in fewest goals allowed (6), total saves (72), and shutouts (9) through 15 games. Their offense surprised after attempting the fewest shots in the CCIW throughout the season.
The Spartans dropped to 2-3 in the overall series as Elmhurst broke their two-game winning streak.
They will regroup and restart IIAC play at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, October 25th against Simpson (11-7, 2-3 IIAC). The Spartans will bid farewell to the seniors in their final home game. Offense will be the name of the game after Simpson took down Coe, 7-0, in their last time out.
