With lower temperatures and a constant breeze, Biola men’s soccer lost 1-0 on Monday to make the atmosphere even colder. The team never warmed up, failing to score for the fourth game in a row despite being ranked eighth in the preseason and returning from one of their best seasons.
Visiting were the Spartans of Trinity Western University in Canada. They came with a three-game losing streak. “We’ve underachieved,” said Spartan head coach Pat Rohla. “Hopefully, we can turn around today.” And turn around is what they did, immediately forcing the Eagles to rely on defense at the game’s start.
Initially, the Eagle defense brilliantly played the ball off Spartan players to receive out-of-bounds advantages and advance downfield. Several quick attempts on goal were made by Biola senior Jacob Ravenscraft, junior Marco Ruvalcaba, and junior Tony Montalvo to fulfill Eagle head coach Bryan Kuderman’s hope: “We just want to start winning, as of today, and that’s going to come by scoring goals.” But, Spartan keeper Andrew Kowan stood strong against the pressure and began to lead his team.
The Spartans returned offensive pressure, finding weaknesses in the Eagles’ defense. In the 16th minute Trinity Western’s Chase Wickham, assisted by Cardin Davis, scored from the left side with a tight angle shot into the right bottom corner. Biola’s lack of hustle and poor ball control in addition to the absence of key defensive player Cody Shelton—due to too many color cards last season—left many unfilled holes.
“Success is going to be determined by what goes on in your head,” said coach Rohla prior to the game, “less what goes on in your feet.” At the start of the second half this became apparent, as the Eagles dejectedly doddered onto the field. The Spartans played with more confidence and desire, sucking the energy out of the Eagles. Yet, the crowd supported its team, trying to lend some spirit.
With 10 minutes left, Biola began to push forward again. Senior Kennedy Chongo took charge to drive the ball down field several times only to be stopped short. Montalvo was given many corner and free kicks. Yet, Kowan’s amazing save in the ninth minute and the continued Spartan vitality suppressed every Biola attempt.
“We couldn’t keep possession of the ball,” said freshman Cody Wingrove; “we aren’t fit enough, and didn’t have as much off-ball movement.”
Still, Coach Kuderman remains firm, planning to build team confidence and train harder.
