With the men's soccer season nearing its climax and the Jumbos clinging to the NESCAC Tournament bubble, every conference game is more crucial than ever.
On Wednesday night, the Jumbos dropped their second straight game to the Wesleyan Cardinals, 2-0. The Jumbos were shut out for the fourth time this season, as they once again failed to generate the offensive opportunities needed to win. The decision gave the Cardinals their sixth straight victory.
As has been the case in several of Tufts' recent games, the first half was relatively even. The Cardinals managed a 6-2 edge over the Jumbos in shots on goal, but junior goalkeeper David McKeon was solid in the net, stopping each shot to contribute to his 10 overall saves in the game.
But the matchup once again slanted toward Tufts' net in the second, as the team performed poorly down the stretch.
"We need to sharpen up mentally," sophomore Bear Duker said. "Soccer's a very mental game, and that's why it's a great game. The defense needs to work on playing the whole 90 minutes. If you slip for two seconds, you give up a goal."
Wesleyan junior Ozzie Parente opened the scoring in the 62nd minute on a one-timer from 10 yards out off a centering pass from sophomore Mark Murphy. Less than 10 minutes later, junior Alan Ashenfelter tacked on another after a brilliant through ball from junior Matt Nevin.
The two goals were all the Cardinals needed to complete their remarkable fourth straight shutout.
"We've got some work to do," senior tri-captain Alex Bedig said. "We've got to improve the way that we approach every minute of every game. If we're able to accomplish that, we definitely have the talent and depth to do pretty much anything in the NESCAC."
The NESCAC slate is the Jumbos' main focus at the moment, as they have a pair of tough conference games over the next two weekends. Trinity will visit Tufts tomorrow, and next weekend, the Jumbos head to Williamstown to take on the Ephs.
Tufts will need to have its offense at full strength to give itself a chance in the standings. After a 5-0 win last week at Plymouth State, the Jumbos have been outscored 4-1 in their last two games, both NESCAC losses.
"We have two big guys up front," Duker said of the Jumbos' recent frustrations on offense. "We need to get the ball up to them and get crosses in."
On the other side of the ball, the Jumbos will certainly have their hands full, as the Bantams are fifth in the NESCAC in goals scored, having amassed 15 tallies in their first nine games.
"We're going to try to adjust our strategy to play a little more compactly," said Bedig. "Beyond that, we need to work on executing what we think we can do out there.
"If we can hold the ball a little longer, we won't be caught as often," Bedig continued.
After the Trinity game Saturday, the Jumbos will host Southern Maine on Tuesday. Then, it's on to Williams, where the 5-1 Ephs await the Jumbos, who will be in need of a big upset win.
"The best team can always beat the worst team in any conference," Duker said. "That's soccer for you. We have a real good shot at making the playoffs."
