'Berg sticks it to the Rangers
Daniel Wayne
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Sports
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This rediscovered intensity manifested itself in the likeness of senior fullback A.J. Barnold. His aggressive defensive play, consisting mainly of headers that ended Rangers' offensive attacks, quickly became the backbone of the Mule's game plan.
"Our two backs played well," explained head coach Sean Topping. "(Barnold and junior Sam Hayden) are a big two and they cleared a lot of balls that came from the air."
While Berg's defensive play was crucial to the team's 2-1 victory, the Mules' offensive rigor was equally important. Shining in goal-scoring glory were junior forward Eric Miller and sophomore striker Tommy Reilly.
Capitalizing first on his scoring chances was Miller. Just a little over ten minutes into the match, Miller received a pass from Barnold. After a quick dribble towards the goal, he fired a shot that flew magnificently past the Drew goaltender and ended up in the top corner of the goal opposite from where he stood.
"Eric had a great goal tonight," said Topping of his forward who has scored in consecutive games. "He is really starting to break out and we hope he continues scoring down the stretch (of the rest of the season)."
After the Rangers responded with a goal of their own a few minutes later, the game turned into a physically aggressive contest. Excelling in this part of the match was senior goaltender Joe Gogel. "When the ball gets into the box, it is my job to go up and get it," Gogel explained. "While it is an advantage that I get to use my hands, aggressiveness is a must and if it results in my slamming into another player, then that is the way it is."
This hard-hitting play continued through the end of the first half and into the beginning of the second. Only nine minutes into the second half, the aggressive nature of Drew's attack became detrimental to their chances of victory. After creating a turnover in their defensive zone, the Mules began their aggressive, quick march down the field. At the end of this march was Reilly's speed and left foot.
Upon the reception of Miller's pass, Reilly blew past the last remaining Ranger defender and forced the opposing goalie to come out of his box and challenge the ball. This challenge was of no use because upon the goalie's first move, Reilly fired a shot that curved around the rushing goalie and landed in the back of the net.
In response to scoring what was ultimately the game-winning goal, Reilly expressed his excitement. "It's an awesome feeling scoring the goal that finishes an offensive attack and it only gets better when that goal ends up being the deciding factor in the match."
The Mules played McDaniel College on the following Saturday and came away with another Centennial Conference victory. These two wins have brought the Mules to a record of 8-4-1 overall and a 3-2-1 record in the Conference.
On the horizon for Men's Soccer is The College of New Jersey Lions (7-7-2) on Wed. and a match-up with Haverford on Sat.