Homecoming Weekend was nothing short of hard work for the Elizabethtown College men’s soccer team. They pushed through with might and determination to conquer Lebanon Valley College and came out with a tie.
The stands in Ira R. Herr field were full of amped Etown fans, family and friends alike, outnumbering the Lebanon Valley scene. Etown’s spirits were high and ready to support their Jays, cowbell and all.
As the Blue Jays were warming up and getting ready before the game, it was clear they were ready and extremely determined to play hard and show off their hard work and practice. The looks on their faces showed just how ready they were to play against one of the top four teams in the Commonwealth Conference.
“To prepare, we go over our tactics for the game, keep our fitness and touch through drills, and play against each other to keep the feel of the game,” senior Bryan Strode said, referring to the preparation he and the team go through before games.
After getting a 1-1 tie against Lebanon Valley this past Saturday, the Blue Jays kept their heads up for the spirit of Homecoming Weekend. Though they tied, they were not about to let LVC steal their pride and glory, in honor of Homecoming Weekend.
Prior to the game, junior Kyle Volk had no hesitation in saying, “I expect to win both games and for them to get us ready for the playoffs.” Coming out with a tie may not be the same as winning, but this game sure prepared the Jays for their final awaited home game.
“LVC will be a tight game, but it is Homecoming, so we have the edge,” senior Strode said. Strode’s prediction was close, though the Blue Jays showed their drive throughout the close game by giving it all they had to keep up their defense and keep pushing forward.
The game started as a heavy back-and-forth battle between the two sides, with Etown dominating the opposing side, and no scores in the first half. Rough collisions and close calls were a recurring sight for both teams. About a minute into the second half, LVC managed to get the ball through Etown’s fired-up goalie, senior Eric Carr.
Shortly following their first goal, LVC almost pushed through again, but defender Volk was not about to let that happen. Volk said he prepares for games by “keeping the hard work up at practice and giving it everything you got when it comes to game time.” Volk was prepared to defend his team and do what needed to be done in order to fight off the LVC attackers.
Keeping up their hard work and determination, the Blue Jays stayed strong and pushed their way through the second half. With countless calls and numerous chances, the Jays pulled through.
With 23 minutes left in the game, Etown came together and scored, leaving them tied with LVC. A corner kick from sophomore Kyle Fowler aided sophomore Kristopher Davis to score Etown’s goal, with an assist from junior Zach Lee.
Both teams kept up their spirits throughout the game, but by the end, they were still left with a 1-1 tie, which led to double overtime. Carr was persistent through both overtime halves, with ten saves throughout, leaving him with a new record high. After pushing through the two 20 minute-halves, the score was final.
Wednesday, Oct. 24 was be the last home game of the season against Lycoming College. Though it might have been a tough call, “Lycoming is our senior game and last home game, so we will have a lot of experience on the field,” Strode said.
The Blue Jays capitalized on that experience and took a commanding 3-0 win over Lycoming.