Before this season, the Baker University men’s soccer team hadn’t given up five goals in a game in 20 years. On Saturday, the Wildcats gave up five goals in a span of 20 minutes.
The fact that it happened while they were playing one of their biggest rivals, No. 11 Benedictine College, at the Ravens’ home field frustrated head coach Nate Houser.
“Every time I go there, I see something I’ve never seen before,” Houser said. “It was like one of those once-a-century storms.”
With rhythm and chances in the middlefield, the Wildcats dominated the Ravens in the first half. Seniors Donny George and Odaine Sinclair both found the back of the net to give Baker a 2-0 lead in the first 45 minutes of the game.
After making adjustments, Houser described their performance in the second half as if they were taking a “20-minute nap” on the field.
After they woke up, the Wildcats kept Benedictine from scoring any more and worked toward a comeback with two goals of their own from junior Andy Griffin and senior Richard Klein. Freshman Amer Dedic had a close chance to add a third to the mix and tie the game in the last 10 secondse, but was unable to beat the goalkeeper and Baker fell 5-4.
“(Benedictine) didn’t create any nonsense for us, we imbalanced ourselves,” Houser said. “More or less, we just didn’t do our job. I can promise you that won’t happen again.”
Houser’s promise held true for Baker’s next game Tuesday night in Columbia, Mo. While they didn’t get a victory, the Wildcats were able to hold the No. 4 Columbia College to a 1-1 tie.
Senior Nick Aguilar made the lone goal and despite giving up one goal, junior Matt Bickley recorded five saves on the night for Baker.
The muddy mess Columbia’s field had come after poor weather conditions earlier in the day contributed to slowing down the high level of play Baker is used to. Houser said he feels as though the outcome would have been different had the team been playing in better conditions.
“We went to the No. 4 team’s home field, outshot and outplayed them,” Houser said. “We should have won on the road, but I’m not worried. They live to beat us, whereas we live to win national championships.”
Houser is confident in his players and their chances in the upcoming playoffs. He expects an upswing in focus, confidence and emotion among the team members that will help them to achieve success.
“Everyday we are bigger, faster, stronger,” Houser said. “We have the best hand at the table, it’s just a matter of playing it correctly.”
