The Rams’ traveled to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, for their second game of the season that they lost 0-7. With the loss, the Rams are now 0-2 for the season and must now look forward to their upcoming opponents, Wheeling Jesuit for a bounce back win.
Shippensburg came out fast, scoring five goals in the first 45 minutes on nine shots. The Raiders had four goals within the first 20 minutes. For the entire game the Raiders got off 19 shots, 15 on goal. The Rams were able to connect on eight total shots, with three on goal.
“Shippensburg was a very winnable game. We have all the talent right there with nine returning players and 18 incoming players (16 freshmen),” Rams head coach Alex Jones said. “This past weekend we were missing 2-3 starters and we started nine freshmen. We are a young raw team and it was their first away game in front of big crowd.”
Shippensburg was providing pressure for most of the game and the referee called them for 16 total fouls, seven in the first and nine in the final half.
Forward Cole Kropnick and midfielder Joey Gallucci each had two goals for the Raiders to help propel their team to the 7-0 win. Midfielders Alex Petty and Patrick Luebben added the remaining goals for Shippensburg along with the Rams’ own goal at the three-minute mark.
“I believe in the boys and know that we are getting the kinks out of the way moving along. The boys trust the system and I see a bright future for this team this last season in the MEC and the years to come joining the PSAC,” Jones said. “We will be ready mentally and physically come Wednesday against Wheeling Jesuit.”
The Rams next game is Wednesday, Sept. 5 when they welcome Wheeling Jesuit to Shepherdstown for the first home game of the season.
Vaughn Brewer is the sports editor for The Picket. He can be reached at vbrewe01@rams.shepherd.edu