Yale soccer is back.
The Bulldogs followed up a 3-1 win over Hofstra on Sat., Sept. 16, with an impressive 1-1 tie against a formidable University of Connecticut squad to bring their record to 2-1-1 as they head into this weekend's Ivy opener against Brown. Although Brown is currently the number-one ranked team in New England, the Elis seem to have the skill and confidence to match up with the Bears.
In the Hofstra victory, the Bulldogs opened the scoring as Craig Yacks, MC '98, netted a crossing pass from Steve Colamarino, BK '97. Randy Shaw, BK '96, started the play by passing to Julio Guzman, ES '97, who then worked the ball to the edge of the penalty area to the unmarked Colamarino.
Yale's second goal was scored by Colamarino. Guzman had controlled the ball from a throw-in and then deflected it to Calamarino,who trapped the ball under tight pressure from the defense. He then side-stepped the ball into the net with his left foot for the second goal.
Kevin Shertzer, CC '97, then sealed the win as he deftly placed his shot into the near corner of the goal while Hofstra's goalkeeper was out of position after stopping the previous shot.
Coach Steve Griggs was very impressed with the effort and performance of the team. "We were much quicker without the ball and made quicker decisions," Griggs said. Griggs also noted that the team showed a marked improvement in closing down on the ball on defense.
Guzman pointed out the fact that the Bulldogs' performance against Hofstra was much improved from last week's loss to the University of Rhode Island. "Our style of play was the same [as against Rhode Island]. The intensity was the difference." Guzman pointed to "improved movement off the ball" and "people tackling better" as signs of the augmented intensity displayed against Hofstra.
The Elis followed up their impressive win over Hofstra with a hard-fought 1-1 tie against perennial powerhouse Connecticut. Playing in Storrs, the Elis and the Huskies played to a scoreless tie at the end of regulation. During the first 15 minute overtime, UConn scored in just 34 seconds. However, Yale was able to fight back and tie the game again as Dwight Angelini, PC '97, assisted Matthew Phelan's, JE '99, goal at the 112 minute mark. The game ended with a 1-1 tie as both teams were held scoreless in the second half of overtime. Captain Adam Sullins, DC '96, helped to secure the tie as he recorded nine saves in goal for the Elis.
After the successful play of the past week, the Bulldogs are showing signs that they indeed can become a contender in the Ivy League this year. Griggs noted that the team is "taking great strides" and that they "will not be scared off by Brown." Guzman also felt that the Elis "definitely have the skill to compete and beat Brown."
On Sat., Sept. 23, the Elis will have a chance to see how far they have come as Brown brings its number one ranking and its defense of the Ivy League crown to Yale's home field.
Copyright 1995, The Yale Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.
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