2008 Woodie Awards
Men's soccer goes down fighting against Millersville
By Erin Fisher
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Sports
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After losing its previous two games, the Rock had to win on the road against Millersville to secure a playoff spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference playoffs.
"It was another long trip and not easy to get ready for," Rock Head Coach Matt Thompson said.
Senior captain Jeff Hamley said the team was fully aware of the win-or-go-home circumstances that came with the game.
"All the players knew the situation, knew what we had to do," Hamley said. "From there on out it was win or go home. Knowing that, we all knew what we had to do to get the job done."
Within the first 15 minutes, it was apparent that the game was going to be physical.
Ten fouls and two yellow cards were handed out between the two teams in the game.
Millersville tested Rock goalie Greg Blum, landing nine shots in the first half, while Slippery Rock only managed three.
Shaun Reid, Hamley and Lucas Feathers each got a shot off in the first half, but none of the shots were on goal.
The first half ended with 18 fouls, but no score between the two teams.
"The team really did not play well the first half," Thompson said. "I think it was difficult knowing that we had to win on the road."
Early in the second half, Tim Hollenback put Millersville on the scoreboard, tucking the ball in the lower right corner past Blum.
In the next few minutes, Hamley and senior Eddie Mocarsky tested Millersville keeper Matt Langione but were unable to put anything past him.
Feathers and freshman Mitch Walters tried their best to keep the pressure on Langione, but their shots sailed wide, leaving the score at 1-0.
A confrontation on the field in the 63rd minute of the game resulted in both a yellow card on Mocarsky and senior Mike Monte being ejected from the game.
"Being captain, I tried to calm everyone else down," Hamley said. "I had to stay calm because other players look to me, but it was definitely tough to stay focused."
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