Men's soccer plays close on, needs more team unity

The Oberlin men's soccer team, who lost 1-0 against Heidelberg College on Wednesday, was a group of individuals in search of a team identity.

Though often unpolished and disjointed, the team displayed occasional moments of sheer athletic prowess, like junior Mateo Massenet's stunning footwork, co-captain senior Brendan Cody's aerial saves, and sophomore Jon Wilson's sheer competitive grit. Indeed, this team can be fun to watch. It would be more fun if they would score.

"The main problem is offensive movement," said Head coach Chris Barker. "We've got to get better at pushing the ball forward." First-year player Adam Hester offered another contributing factor, "We're still getting into shape," Hester said, "once we hit our stride, we'll move together on the attack and score some goals."

Oberlin's scoring chances against Heidelberg were fewer with the temporary departure of co-captain senior Sam Krasnow, who returned home for personal reasons. "Sam is a great player and leader," Hester said. "It always hurts to have a player like that out of the lineup."

Perhaps because of Krasnow's absence, the Yeoman were slow to gel in the first half, playing languidly on offense and frantically on defense. Lazy offensive campaigns were often contrasted by fervid goal protection.

"We weren't playing the ball to each other's feet very well," first-year Zoli Szuts said. "But our goal clearing was better than ever."

This method led to stalemate until, with 15:50 left in the firsthalf, Heidelberg struck. After several consecutive scoring attempts, one shot fired from point blank range passed by keeper Cody, giving the opponents a lead they would never relinquish. After the Heidelberg goal, the team remained directionless until the first-half ended.

"We were definately a little sluggish in that first half," Hester said. "But we played really well in the second."

Indeed, the second half was marked by renewed vigor from the Yeomen. "The second half was the best we've played all season," said Barker. "Players were setting each other up, and passes were well thought out."

Despite Oberlin's increase in teamwork, and their overall high quality of play the Yeomen still could not muster a goal.

The half-time tally remained and Heidelberg was victorious.