The West Chester men’s soccer team dropped their sixth straight game on Wednesday evening, losing 1-0 to visiting New York Institute of Technology in a non-conference game at the South Campus fields.The loss dropped WCU to 2-6 overall, and 0-4 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Five of WCU’s six losses were by one goal deficits, and five have been shutouts.
New York Tech also came in on a cold streak, losing three straight and winless in four in a row after a tie.
The Rams gave up the lead very early, as New York Tech’s Matthew DiDonna took the assist from Mohammed Habibzi and scored only 1:48 into the game.
Starting goalie Garrett Bleiler came away from the net in order to reduce the angle toward the goal, but DiDonna kicked the ball up and over the sliding Bleiler.
The afternoon didn’t look promising after giving up a goal so early in the match, but West Chester was able to hold NYIT from putting another ball past their goalie.
With limited scoring opportunities, the game was played mostly in the midfield.
Michael Doran went the distance in goal for New York Tech and recorded two saves as well as the shutout victory.
Bleiler played the first 26 minutes of the game before Peter Weiss played the remaining 64 minutes in relief, notching four saves.
West Chester had their share of chances. Seven corner kicks led to the only two shots on goal for the Rams. In the second half, the Rams’ leading scorer Conor Malarney had a breakaway chance, but was tracked down and stifled by NYIT defenders.
Zac Tassone took two shots for WCU while Ryan Dicci and Tyler Fettrow supplied the shots on goal with one a piece. The Rams took three shots in each half and were outshot overall 9-6. WCU committed more fouls than NYIT, 17-14.
WCU will continue in their search for a win this week with three nonconference games-each coming at home where the team is 2-3 thus far. The University of the District of Columbia (3-6-1) comes to town Sunday, 10/3 at 1 p.m. UDC also falls under .500 on the season with an overall record of 3-6-1.
On Wednesday Oct. 6, Holy Family University (3-3-3) visits for a 3:30 p.m. tilt. Lastly, Lincoln University (1-2) plays Saturday Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. One of these games is promising in West Chester’s hope for breaking their losing streak.
Travis Pearson is a fourth-year student majoring in English. He can be reached at TP651537@wcupa.edu.