The UW Oshkosh men’s soccer team is making the most of its last season by going out with a bang. On Wednesday, Sept. 16 the Titans won 2-0 in a match against Milwaukee School of Engineering, to whom they lost last year, at home. “We had to be focused over the entire match and capitalize on our opportunities when they came,” junior goalkeeper Samuel Gabrilska said. “They are led by an All-American caliber player that can beat you at any point in the game. This was a must-win game for us, so our sights were set on doing everything we could to come out on top.” After a scoreless first half, Titan senior forward, Trent Alison, found the back of the Raiders’ net in the 59th minute to take the lead. The shot was taken 10 yards from the center of the field and was assisted by junior forward, Elias Efthimiou. Just nine minutes later, Alison scored again to make the score 2-0. The shot was from 13 yards out and off a deflection. Both teams finished with 15 shots on goal. Gabrilska had eight saves in goal for UWO. The men won their first game at home of the season in a 1-0 victory over Chapman University (Calif.) on Sunday, Sept. 13. Sophomore forward, Nickolas Gonzales, scored the lone in the 76th minute of the match off an assist from junior midfielder, Jacob Hernandez. Chapman University’s goalkeeper, Nick Beradi, was unable to stop Gonzales’ low shot from about 10 yards out. “Scoring the game winning goal was a fantastic feeling,” Gonzales said. “I had just gotten into the game, and knew I had to make an impact. We got a free kick about 40 yards from our opponent’s goal. I ran into the box and realized I was completely unmarked. I turned to look at my teammate, Jake Hernandez and he passed me the ball. I turned with no pressure and shot it. I had no doubt of it going in the goal.” However, the Panthers had two opportunities late in the match to tie it up. In the 85th minute, Gabrilska saved a near-post shot from Chapman’s Boston Kimmel. With four seconds left in the game, Kimmel took another legitimate shot that hit the Titans’ crossbar. The Panthers were an awarded a corner kick on the play, but were unable to get the kick off before the final whistle blew. Gabrilski made three saves in goal for UW Oshkosh. UW Oshkosh outshot the Panthers 11-6. Senior midfielder, Michael Dugan, was one of five Titans who had two or more shots on goal during the game. Dugan said he hopes to see himself continue to improve and do whatever he can to help the team win. “Our team goals for the rest of the season are only looking at our next opponent and taking each game one at a time,” Dugan said. “With this thought process, we are hoping that we will be where we expect ourselves to be at by the end of the season.” The Titans, who are now 4-1-1, will host Central College (Iowa) on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12:30 p.m.
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Men’s soccer wins at home
September 17, 2015
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