Candi Molina Santana
Contributing Writer
Women’s soccer suffered defeat in a close 2–1 game at home against Millersville.
ESU’s record is now 3–2–2 after Saturday’s defeat. Their record for home games is 2–1–1, and 1–1–1 for away games.
This game marked the Warriors’ seventh game of the season. So far, the team has made six goals, has taken 91 shots and has five assists. The team also has six yellow cards and 69 fouls in this season alone.
Millersville’s next game is on Oct. 2 against Shepherdstown at the Ram Stadium. After the win against the Warriors, Millersville’s record is now 4–2–1.
Millersville started with the ball, and possession kept switching back and forth, showing the aggression from both teams. In the 38th minute of the first half, ESU made its first shot attempt but came up short.
After more back-and-forth play, the Warriors’ defense eventually crumbled under offensive pressure from Millersville. Millersville’s No. 4 scored the first goal of the game. They continued to press forward on each possession, but the Warriors’ defense adjusted.
Amid the intense game, fouls and warnings filled the field. The Warriors got the advantage from the foul calls, as Millersville continued to get the whistle.
By halftime, the score remained 1–0. Warriors’ head coach Meagan DeWan spoke on how she felt the first half went.
“The plan was the same from beginning to end, we just need to bring in our style and intensity. We made good rotations and good opportunities,” said DeWan.
ESU applied more pressure and displayed their chemistry in the second half. They controlled the ball and made constant shot attempts but came up short every time.
In the 20th minute, Millersville scored again, making the score 2–0.
As the clock counted down, the Warriors desperately searched for the back of the net. They pushed up the field and finally scored in the ninth minute. Graduate midfielder Rebecca Kotula shot a left shot on the 18, connecting with the net.
Despite their efforts, by the end of the second half, the score remained 2–1 and Millersville went home with another win on their record.
Fifth-year defender Emily Wineburg expressed her feelings about the end of the game. Wineburg took a positive perspective and said the team’s loss does not define the future success of the team.
“We are not playing to our full potential, and we are aware of it. We are facing a rough patch and need to play how we want to play,” said Wineburg. “Our communication is great because we are good friends and good teammates. We built our attack the way we wanted to, but couldn’t find the back of the net.”
Coach DeWan talked about how the game plan was somewhat successful, excluding the missed shot attempts.
“We are moving the ball well, and communication has been fantastic. We just need to score,” said DeWan.
Coach DeWan and the Warriors hope to get back in the win column on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 4 p.m. in a road game against Georgian Court.