The Loggers completed their series of home games over Fall Break on Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16. Sadly, the Logger’s dropped both matches, losing to Whitman and Whitworth respectively. According to Logger Athletics, Whitman drew first and last in the game out scoring the Loggers 2-1.
The only goal from the Loggers came during the first few minutes of the second half when freshman Connor LaFerriere (Tacoma, Wash) found sophomore Vincent McCluskey (Seattle, Wash.), who buried the ball in the back of the net.
In the 74th minute of the game, the tie was broken. Whitman player Cooper Schumacher buried the shot to give the 2-1 lead in Whitman’s favor. Although the Loggers upped the ante, Whitman was able to hold off the Loggers which resulted in even standing for the Loggers and the Missionaries in the Northwest Conference.
Their loss on Saturday carried over to Sunday’s match. Although the Loggers out-shot Whitworth 17 to 12, Whitworth was able to hold onto the win, making six saves during the game. This loss marked the final home game for the Loggers as they hit the road to wrap up the season.
Over the past weekend however, the Loggers redeemed themselves with two wins. On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Loggers traveled to McMinnville, Ore. to play Linfield. The game ended in a Logger victory with a score of 3-0.
The Loggers scored their first goal in the 18th minute of the game. Sophomore Andrew White (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) found the net after a corner kick from senior Terence Blackburn (Tacoma, Wash.) The second goal was made by sophomore Sam Naatz (Salt Lake City, Utah) with an assist by White and sophomore Landon Gauthier (Fox Island, Wash.) The Loggers scored the final and game-winning goal in the 84th minute of the game. Freshman Nicholas Campanelli (Mahtomedi, Minn.) fired the ball into the net with assistance from Gauthier.
The Loggers continued their winning weekend on Sunday, Oct. 23 when they defeated Willamette with the impressive score of 5-0. Each goal was made by a different Logger.
Just five minutes into the game, White scored the first goal on an assist from sophomore Colin McIntosh (Olympia, Wash.). Sophomore Taylor Reitz (San Leandro, Calif.) scored the second Logger goal with ball off of Blackburn. Blackburn then followed with a goal of his own in the 56th minute during the second half of the match.
A penalty kick provided the Loggers a golden opportunity to make the fourth goal of the game, and Gauthier did not disappoint as he fired the ball into the back of the net. Senior Peter Russell (Beavercreek, Ore.) ended the game with fifth and final Logger goal.
Junior Chris McDonald (Newton, Mass.) made four saves during game play for the Logger’s shutout. It is one of many games in which he has succeeded in doing so.
The team has suffered both wins and losses this season, and these past weekend’s results shows just how difficult the game can be. However, the Loggers power through the ups and downs and they are now in a position in which they can succeed if they try.
“This year, we have gotten a lot closer to our goal, and have been close to the quality we have been looking for. This year, we have felt that we are close to the level of consistency which can win championships, but it has not come to fruition yet,” McDonald said.
It will take hard work and dedication, but through perseverance the Loggers can become even greater than they already have shown their fans. Logger supporters can only look on and expect great things from the men’s soccer program in the future.
The Loggers continue their road trip when they travel to face George Fox and Pacific on Oct. 28 and 29.