By Peyton Wright
While students were enjoying Block Break camping, relaxing, and exploring Colorado, our CC men’s soccer team was going head to head in a competitive game against Southwestern University in Texas on Sunday, Sept. 22.
The Tigers quickly took full advantage of the lower altitude. Within the first three minutes, the Tigers were already finding the back of Southwestern’s net, with forward Griffin Meyer ’23 getting the team an early lead.
Meyer’s goal was the first and only goal for the Tigers on Sunday, and his second of the season. His goal was made possible by an assist from midfielder teammate Aidan Longhurst ’20.
Longhurst had an impressive weekend overall. He scored CC’s only goal against Texas Lutheran on Sept. 20 and his early assist on Sunday’s game proved his great ability over the break.
Among the players starting for CC was defender Sajjan Singh ’23, who also assisted Meyer’s quick goal. Singh had two shots on goal as well, coming close to doubling CC’s lead in the 15th minute.
The team created many opportunities for themselves, with 14 shots during the game. An impressive 10 of those shots were on goal, yet Southwestern’s goalie managed to hold the Tigers to just one point.
Despite their strong start, the Tigers suffered an unfortunate loss. Goaltender Chase Heyman ’23 held off the Pirates offense for over half the game, and made four saves over the course of the game. Sunday’s game was Heyman’s second career start for the Tigers.
In the 53rd minute, Southwestern managed to score its first goal to tie the game. Shortly after, the Pirates scored again, putting them in the lead. A penalty shot in the 80th minute by a Southwestern forward was the last scoring of the game. The Pirates ultimately won the game 3–1.
The loss made CC’s record slip to 4–0–4 for the season. Fans are still optimistic for CC’s season going forward, thanks to many great plays made by the team on Sunday, including the multiple shots by Meyer, Singh, and Mallory.
Mallory led the Tigers with three shots, all of which were on target. “It was a tough loss,” Mallory commented. “We tried our hardest and we’re looking forward to our next game against Johnson and Wales.”
The Tigers are amid a stretch of five away games, and will be playing Johnson and Wales University on the road on Friday, Sept. 27.
The next time the CC men’s soccer team will be competing at home will be on Oct. 11, with another match against Southwestern University. At-home advantage will be on the Tigers’ side this time around, and the Tigers are hopeful to secure another win at home. So far this season, their record on Washburn Field is undefeated.
