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By Sehban Zaidi

This season, whether the Oberlin College men’s soccer team had a home or away game, one face was always spotted in the crowd. Mrs. Wilson, mother of sophomore midfielder David “turf” Wilson, was a permanent fixture in the cheering section for the Yeomen. She took the day of work early on weekdays and braved the early October cold even when Wilson sat out to nurse his troublesome knee. She was just one of the growing number of Yeomen faithful who attended games to support a team that gave them much to cheer about this season.

At the end of the Yeomen’s last game on Saturday, Mama Turf (as some have come to call her) was spotted holding onto a cake, which read “Congratulations Oberlin: The best is yet to come”, uncertain whether it would be appropriate to hand it over to the players then or later.

Incidentally, Oberlin had just lost to Wittenberg University 2-1 in double overtime, a marked improvement on their 11-0 loss in 2001.

It was sophomore forward Josh Treuhaft who opened the scoring for the Yeomen in the first half on an assist from senior Jesse Kipp, and the game grew in excitement from there.

Oberlin squandered many opportunities as they controlled the lion’s share of the possession. But ultimately Wittenberg would secure the win, scoring twice on counterattacks. The Tigers tied the game up with 11 minutes left in the second half and captured the win with a goal two minutes in to the second overtime.

Sophomore goalkeeper Lincoln Smith saved 11 shots in the loss.

The game reflected much of Oberlin’s season — forays of exciting, effective soccer with costly lapses in concentration. The Yeomen outshot their opponents Saturday 19-13.

The loss dropped the Oberlin’s record to 4-4-1 in the NCAC, good for fifth place, and 7-8-3 overall. The Yeomen were just 11 minutes from finishing with their first winning season since 1989 and their first under head coach Blake New.

The loss could be attributed to the Yeomen’s inability to close out games, something that plagued Oberlin all year as they didn’t record a single win in five overtime games. Having outplayed most of their opponents with wonderful fluid soccer, the Yeomen had often lacked the killer instinct that is associated with great teams. The talent of the squad was prevalent yet so too was its immaturity.

But immaturity is to be expected of a team that touted only five seniors and had a backbone consisting of mainly sophomores and juniors.

While the underclassmen have brought a level of immaturity, they have also brought much creativity, endeavor and excitement. Wilson had already established himself as a started in his first year, but this season he demonstrated his indispensability to the team. Even though his season was hampered by nagging knee problems, he recorded six goals and six assists for the Yeomen.

First-year Zach Tesler procured a starting berth with the team as well thanks to his work rate, vision and creativity. Sophomore fullbacks Noah Strieb and Evan Childress developed into pillars of stability along with central defenders senior Jamie Davis and junior Nick Franco.

The most stability, however, perhaps originated between the posts with sophomore goalkeeper Lincoln Smith and his more-than-able deputy first-year Clayton Combe. And junior Max Hellerman, playing the all-important central midfield role, was possibly the Yeomen’s most consistent performer.

The youth of the team was a huge part of its success this year. Oberlin finished fifth in the NCAC and fell just one game short of a .500 season, highlighting the renaissance of this team under New and assistant coach Adam Shuemaker. The success was tainted with a hint of disappointment, though, due to the lofty expectations set by the Yeomen’s early season form.

Oberlin will need their young players to fill the void left by the graduating seniors. Danny Homan, Issaku Kohl, Philip Kresniske, Jesse Kipp and Paul Park have all been an integral part of the Oberlin squad for the past four years.

Homan has grown immensely as a player over the last few seasons. From the role of an outside midfielder used in rotation last year he developed into central midfield linchpin for the team.

Kohl and Kresniske have been leaders on and off the field for the yeomen. Kresniske was a tireless battler who carried the ball exceptionally down the flanks. Kohl’s work rate could not be doubted and he was capable of producing moments of magic during his play with the Yeomen, scoring more often with a diving volley than a simple tap in.

When Kipp joined the team he was considered a first-year prodigy, scoring prolifically. He experienced a goal drought during his sophomore and junior years, largely due to injuries. But Kipp rediscovered his scoring touch this season recording eight goals to lead the team.

Park was a key utility player for the Yeomen, who returned this semester after a year’s absence. He had gifted speed, skill and strength, making him versatile coming off the bench.

These players deserved both respect and appreciation and have earned plaudits throughout their Oberlin careers. While they will be thoroughly missed, now is the time for the young players to flourish. Wilson is already a team leader, as are Childress and Tesler. Sophomore Sebas Constante, the wizard from Venezuela, needs to add consistency to his dazzling skills, as does Treuhaft.

Blake’s Babes (excuse the reference to the great Manchester United team of the 60’s) have to develop a killer touch and consistency in order to build on their success this year and qualify for and possibly win the conference tourney next season. No one will be cheering harder than Mama Turf and no doubt her voice would be one of many. It seems fitting to part with her words: “The best is yet to come.”