Vaughn Brewer- Sports Writer
It was another rough outing for the Shepherd Rams men’s soccer team Sunday, Sept. 10. The Rams (0-3-1) took on the West Va. Wesleyan Bobcats (3-0-1) and lost by a score of 9-0. The losing streak for the Rams continues as they continue to search for their first victory on the season.
However, it is still early and plenty of time remains on the year to get back on track.
On Sunday however, the Rams could not turn things around against the Bobcats as the Rams defense could not find an answer for West Va. Wesleyan’s attack. The nine goals let up by the Rams was their highest total of the season so far.
The Bobcats got the scoring going early on Sunday, with West Va. Wesleyan attacker Josh Spencer scoring at the 6-minute mark of the first half. By the 12-minute mark, the Bobcats were up 2-0 as Juwon Akintunde scored a header off a corner kick.
The offenses for both teams stagnated for the remainder of the first half until the 45-minute mark. Bobcat Midfielder Hazuki Hashizume netted his first goal of the game to extend the Bobcats lead to 3-0 at halftime.
As the second half rolled around, the Bobcats kept the momentum going from their late first half goal, with an outburst of six goals coming in the second half alone.
West Va. Wesleyan attacker Luca Falconieri got the scoring going in the second half at the 67-minute mark. After that goal, the metaphorical flood gates had opened as the Bobcats netted goals at the 69, 71, 74, 83, and 87-minute marks.
Altogether, the Bobcats had 31 shots and 16 shots were labeled on goal whereas the Rams had three total shots for the game, all coming in the first half as well. West Va. Wesleyan controlled time of possession in this game, as that is an area Shepherd must improve if they want to turn the its season around.
The Rams hope to secure their first victory on the year Thursday, Sept. 14. As they will go up against the Urbana Blue Knights on the road.
Vaughn Brewer is a Sports Writer for The Picket. He can be reached at vbrewe01@rams.shepherd.edu