The LU men’s soccer team took on undefeated Davidson College (4-0-1) on Saturday at the Athletics Complex in Farmville, suffering a 0-1 defeat to the Wildcats. Despite the loss, the Lancers defended well against the offensively stout Davidson team.
When asked, strategically speaking, how to prepare for going up against the undefeated Wildcats, head coach Jon Atkinson stated, “Irrespective of the opposition, you’ve got to keep to your strategy; how you play. If you overly concern yourself about the other team, then you can sometimes take away from your performances… This team that we have, game by game, [is] gaining experience, adjusting to the college game.”
Throughout the first half, the Lancers (1-2-1) were evenly matched up in a climactic back-and-forth style of play, in which the Wildcats led 7-4 in shots on goal over the Lancers. Junior goalkeeper Paul Hegedus made some beautiful saves. Longwood fought back offensively by being fully aware of where their teammates were on the field throughout the first half, with the help of some quick and consistent passing, and making successful numerous crosses to the open man.
They also had a few alluring shots on goal, some that were just shy of the net. Senior Jared Windt had several attempts with assistance from junior Anthony Ugorji in the start of the first half, and also toward the end of the half with a close shot on goal made by sophomore Zach Crandall.
The suspense ultimately ended in a stalemate for the time being. In spite of the enthusiastic crowd, aggressive play and shouts of “put the pressure on” by the coaches from the sidelines, the Wildcats put an end to the drought and made the score 1-0 with 8:16 left on the clock.
Davidson's forward Alec Rotunda scored off of a header from a corner kick taken by midfielder/forward Alex Feliciano putting the ball passed freshman goalkeeper Carlos Canas, who replaced Hegedus for the entire second half.
With little time left in the game after Rotunda scored, it made it more difficult for the Lancers to retaliate before the final whistle blew.
In regards to an immediate plan of action for the Longwood players after Davidson scored, Atkinson responded, “When you go a goal down, and the time is ticking down rather rapidly … you can afford to be a little more risky. We took one of our defenders off and put another forward on there.
Because of the time that the goal was [scored], it was hard for us to react to it. “If it was done in the first half or middle of the second half, you can give the guys time to get themselves back into the flow of the game and just create something on the open play.”
Longwood continues their remaining two out of four consecutive home games this week in Farmville. Tuesday night the Lancers took on American (1-2-2) at 7 p.m. at the Athletics Complex. Longwood will then play High Point (2-3-0) on Saturday night at 7 p.m.
