Photo by Duncan Spaulding
The Camel men’s soccer team started the year off on fire, allowing zero goals against en route to three straight victories, two of which were against NESCAC opponents Hamilton and Colby. “We moved the ball really well in our opening games, and defensively we were able to sustain pressure on the ball,” commented Winslow Murdoch ’13.
This past week however, the Camels ran into a tough test, suffering loses to both Wesleyan (1-0) and Trinity (2-0), before large crowds on Tempel Green and Silfen Field respectively. “We got caught chasing against both Wesleyan and Trinity. The NESCAC being as competitive as it is, it’s tough to go down early against any league opponent, “ Murdoch added.
A few players have been performing especially well for the Camels through the first few weeks of the season. Billy Hawkey ’14 has scored three goals, including the game winner against Hamilton, and added one assist. Sophomore goaltender Casey Marini has started all five games for the Camels thus far, posting three straight shutouts and a .842 save percentage. Kevin O’Brien ’15 is off to a good start too, putting up two goals in his first collegiate appearance in the Camels opener against Colby.
The Camels are lead by head coach Ken Murphy, who took the reins in the fall of 2009. In his inaugural season, Murphy took the Camels to the first round of the NESCAC tournament with an impressive 8-6-1 record. Murphy helped put the Camels’ record above .500 for the first time in ten years.
Looking ahead, the Camels have a tough schedule. On Saturday, October 1 they will host Maine’s toughest NESCAC soccer power Bowdoin, followed by a Sunday matinee in Vermont, against perennial powerhouse Middlebury. “The team is disappointed with last weeks results. We can’t afford to give up points in such a tight playoff race. Every game matters,” said Murdoch. Passed that weekend still remain games against top NESCAC teams Williams and Amherst.
Taking down Hamilton and Colby early was a huge confidence boost for Conn. However, back-to-back losses reminded Camel fans how hard it is to string together wins in the NESCAC.
The team is relatively young with only five seniors; however, of those five, four are starters. Senior Oscar Brown should be counted on to provide offensive spark and solid leadership as the season progresses. Brown garnered both all NESCAC and all region honors for the Camels during their record year in 2009. He has added one assist thus far and while he has yet to find the back of the net, he has managed to fire 13 shots on cage.
The Camels will host UMass-Dartmouth at 4 PM this Tuesday. A strong outing could provide the team with the confidence and determination to earn much needed points this weekend. Make sure to get out and support the team Tuesday and do not miss the Camels this Saturday on Tempel Green at 1:30 against Bowdoin. The NESCAC battle between the Camels and the Polar Bears will have no shortage of exciting play. •
