USU men’s soccer ends in 2-2 knot
An Aggie victory was cut short as UVSC’s keeper blocked a double goal attempt in overtime.
After an uneventful double overtime, both teams went home satisfied after a 2-2 tie.
The game began with the Aggies putting up a strong offense, maintaining pressure and keeping the ball in UVSC’s territory.
A sweeping run by UVSC midfielders bypassed several Aggie players before being tackled by Aggie midfielder Matt Skraznes.
However, this run turned into the play of the game and after several minutes of up-and-down-field play the majority of the ball coverage was by UVSC in Aggie territory.
“We actually designed this game to be played more in the backfield,” said USU Assistant Coach Vince Lamarra. “After suffering a tough loss to BYU last week we have been working on defense. We felt we would play stronger with five defenders.”
A swiftbreak away by UVSC looked to be the first goal of the game but ended in a catastrophic collision with Aggie keeper Tony Lamarra.
Unable to match the speed of the oppressors, Aggies were able to maintain a strong defense against the threatening pressure of UVSC. This led them to make the first goal of the game, but was called back on account of holding.
“We needed to get the midfield back,” said sophomore fullback Bryce Ross.
Aggie aggression increased as the half neared when midfielder Paul Saunders received a yellow card for an unsportsmanlike stop.
Shortly before the conclusion of the first half, Skraznes made his way up-field, and with a skilled pass to forward Brad Beckman assisted for an Aggie goal.
Following the half, pressure from UVSC increased effectively breaking down Aggie defense. Several shots were taken, but they were fortunately for the Aggies, stopped by keeper Lamarra.
The Aggies regained possession of the ball briefly for a goal attempt before UVSC stole it back and scored on Aggie defense. This tied score aided a more intense and aggressive attitude in both teams creating a competition of who could wear whom out first.
Shortly after, the Aggies sought another chance for score but the shot was flanked off the goal post. Not faltering, Aggies remained strong as their sweeper, Jason Jones, completed a long, clean shot for another Aggie goal.
This disenchanted UVSC and they began to be extremely aggressive, receiving a yellow card before resuming their tough consistent pressure.
“We’re used to the pressure,” Ross said. “Every team we’ve played this far has pushed with decent pressure.”
The Aggie defense held strong, maintaining the lead until four minutes remained in the game. UVSC had captured the few seconds when the Aggies were off guard and put another score on the board.
Ending the game in a tie, play proceeded to golden goal overtime.
“I need to wait for the team, to work the goal, and try to get their forwards to chase,” said midfielder James Barhard on tactics to achieve a victory.
Although the Aggies maintained tight ball control through the overtime, a double goal attempt was stopped by UVSC’s keeper.
“We were lucky,” Lamarra said. “They were faster and we were tired out, but we have a strong midfield.”
-bridget@cc.usu.edu