The West Chester University men’s soccer team kept the momentum going this week as they picked up two more wins, both PSAC wins, one on the road against the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, and one at home against Seton Hill University.
The first game of the week for the Golden Rams was on the road at the struggling University of Pittsburg at Johnstown. This was a game that the Golden Rams knew they should win; it was a conference game, because UPJ is a new PSAC member. Even though it seemed like it was a close game at halftime as the scoreboard read 0-0, it was quite the opposite.
West Chester led in the big categories at half, they outshot UPJ 16-3, and had eight corner kicks to the Mountain Cats one corner kick. West Chester had three shots on goal in the first half to UPJ’s one shot on goal. In the second half, West Chester was finally rewarded for their hard work with a goal from Alex Caplan, less than three minutes into the half. He took a pass from Roberto Silva and placed it in the upper right hand part of the net. It was Caplan’s fifth goal of the season. Even though it was a more balanced attack in the second half, with each team recording two shots, and two corners, it showed on the scoreboard for West Chester. The Rams were not done, however, as 10 minutes later, senior Kevin McCann added the insurance goal they needed in the 54th minute, as he took a shot from the top of the box, cashing in on his first goal of the season. UPJ’s goalkeeper, Tim Ofman had five saves on seven shots on goal. West Chester’s goalkeeper, Ryan Shultz saved all three shots he faced, this was Schultz’s fifth straight conference shutout, at that point it was over 500 minutes without him allowing a conference goal. West Chester moved to 7-3-2, as UPJ fell to 2-11. West Chester would prepare to take on a solid Seton Hill University team on Saturday.
It was senior day for the West Chester Rams when they took on Seton Hill University on Saturday. The Rams have three seniors on their roster, including two starters, Connor Malarney and Kevin McCann. Josh Labik is also a senior. The 7-3-2 Rams were ready to take on the 9-3-1 Griffins.
It was a well played game for both teams, although it only paid off for one on the scoreboard. Each team had five shots in the first half, each goalie with a save, and each team with a corner kick. Connor Malrney had seven of West Chester’s 20 shots, and half of the Rams’ shots on goal. He put one into the back of the net in the ninth minute of the game on an assist from Tommy Ryan. This was Malarney’s team leading, ninth goal of the season. West Chester then tacked on another goal from freshman Miguel Ross, as he weaved his way through the defense for his fifth goal of the season. Once again, goalkeeper Ryan Shultz could not be broken as he had six saves on his way for his sixth straight conference shutout, which would be close to 600 minutes. The Rams took the game 2-0, their fifth straight victory, and six of their last seven.
The last time Shultz allowed a conference goal was against Lock Haven, on Sept. 18, over a month ago. The Rams improved to 8-3-2, and 7-1-1 in the conference and Seton Hill fell to 9-4-1, and 4-3-1 in the conference. West Chester now sits atop the PSAC standings with 22 conference points, one better than Mercyhurst.
Next up for West Chester is a non-conference home matchup on Tuesday at 3 p.m. against Philadelphia University. PU is 9-4-1. The next PSAC game for West Chester is Saturday on the road against the decent University of California of Pennsylvania. They are 5-7-1 on the season, so this is a game the Rams should win.
The Rams look to continue their hot streak, and stay atop the PSAC standings, as they are having one of the best seasons they can remember.
Ryan Calpin is a second year student majoring in communications with a minor in jounralism. He can be reached at RC784188@wcupa.edu.
Fri. Apr 26th, 2024
