By Neil Riley
Sports Editor
Denison’s men’s soccer team has lost as many games this season as the United States has lost World Wars. After another two victories over non-conference competitors, Muskingum and Ohio Wesleyan, the Big Red have yet to lose or even give up more than one goal in a match.
Ryan Fine ‘16, a Denison defender, highlighted the team’s discipline as an important factor thus far.
“What’s been instrumental to our success thus far is our consistent effort throughout the game,” Fine said.
Early in the match against Muskingum, Karch Majtenyi ‘19 headed in a well-placed corner from Jake Girardot ‘18 to give DU the early lead.
Aggressive defense and an exceptional performance from goalie Jack Thomas ‘18 helped the Big Red hold the lead until Jordan Williams ‘18 managed to head in a free kick from Luis Zamora ‘19 for his second goal of the season.
DU protected their small lead and held on for the 2-1 victory.
With a 5-0 record, DU traveled to Columbus, Ohio to battle Capital University on Sept. 19.
After only 11 minutes, the Crusaders netted the first goal. Fine and the Denison defense pulled together after the goal.
“The game against Capital was the first time we’ve fallen behind this season, so I really had no idea how we would react,” Fine said.
After Will Kendall ‘18’s 37th minute goal, the two squads vied for the lead for the rest of regulation time. Nine minutes into overtime, Fine scored his first goal of the season, third goal of his collegiate career to edge Denison to a 2-1 victory and to a perfect 6-0 on their 2015 campaign.
They return to action on Wednesday at home against Marietta College.