Candi Molina Santana
Contributing Writer
The ESU Warriors tied against the Millersville Marauders this past Saturday. Both teams rigorous spirit left the final score at 0–0.
ESU’s defense proved effective, winning them the ball when Millersville would turn it over. ESU had four shots on goal, and Millersville had a singular shot on goal.
As the postseason gets closer, ESU continues to be aggressive and diligent.
“They are all hungry to get to the playoffs, they know what is at stake here,” says assistant coach Colin Muller.
Following the tie, ESU’s current record is 6–4–3.
ESU took advantage of having first possession, and in the first few minutes of the game, they took their first shot attempt. Although they missed, within the 40th minute, they got the ball back by forcing a turnover.
ESU’s defense sandwiched the opposing team, and they got the ball. In retaliation, Millersville desperately tried to return the favor, but it led to the first foul.
Fouling was a common theme throughout the game. ESU was given three free kicks in the first half. They optimized their chances, but Millersville’s defense fought hard and kept ESU off the board.
By halftime the score remained 0–0.
The second half did not slow down. ESU stole the ball, exerted themselves, and defended Millersville’s eager attempts to score.
After an extensive battle, the game came to a sudden stop and the atmosphere shifted. After a hard foul in the 28th minute, Ignasi Cucurella Tuset had to be carried off the field.
“You can only be hopeful,” said Jose Rivera following the injury. “He is a big leader, and to see a guy like that on the ground. You just hope he gets back up and keeps playing.”
ESU got another shot attempt in the 24th minute, and then seconds later, ESU got another attempt. Both grazed the net, both close but no cigar.
Millersville passed the ball quickly and got it to the other side. In the 20th minute, Millersville tried to score but it was stopped by goalie Kevin Kretschman.
Amongst the hard–fought game, Tuset made it back on the field, and his arrival warranted applause from the bleachers. He performed just as dominantly as he did in the first half.
Moral never declined, even in the last three minutes of the game. ESU fought through tough calls, which ultimately led to a free kick.
Millersville’s defense did not waver, leaving the final score 0–0. Once the clock ran out, both teams fell to the ground, exhausted.
With the postseason in mind, head coach Tom Mustac explained what the team needs to do to improve from this game forward.
“We have got to score goals. That’s the big thing,” said Mustac. “We have not conceded any goals, but we are also not scoring enough. We had 11 shots in the second half, and we missed every single one. We need our guys to find the back of the net.”
Mustac and the Warriors will look to continue their hunt for a playoff spot on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at three p.m. in a road game against University of the District of Columbia.