After an undefeated start to the season, the Shippensburg University men’s soccer team seems to have faltered a bit. Its most recent game against Chowan University in North Carolina ended in a 2–0 defeat on Tuesday.
Another non-conference matchup, the Raiders are taking these types of games as stepping stones to prepare for its upcoming PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) matches, according to head coach Jeremy Spering.
Even as stepping stones, the Raiders should expect to come away with the win every time in these non-conference games. It was a tough matchup against a sturdy Clarion squad and SU was unable to get any momentum in the game.
Neither team could find the back of the net in the first half despite both having decent pressure. SU goalie Matt Harder continued to perform well in net, registering six saves in the game and keeping his squad in the game late into the second half.
It was not until the 67th minute that either team was able to find the score to break the deadlock when Chowan’s Terell Williamson found the back of the net.
The pressure kept coming after that and the Raiders could not find their offense.
Forward Cole Kropnick, despite his offensive success early this season, was unable to find the back of the net for the second consecutive game. Both those games ended in defeat for the Raiders.
The game was really put away in the 87th minute when Chowan found a second goal through Lee Wattam. As strong as SU’s defense was, they were unable to keep the team in the game forever.
The Raiders have a lengthy recovery time between their match against Chowan and their next game against Holy Family University at home this Tuesday.
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