By Jack Poleto
Sports Editor
Playing games on back-to-back days, the Shoremen emerged with two ties on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 against Moravian University and Pennsylvania State University – Abington.
In their first home opener, they faced the Moravian Greyhounds at the Roy Kirby Jr. Stadium. During regulation play, Moravian received three yellow cards, two of which came in the second half, and Washington College received one.
The Shoremen also took 14 shots with five of them being on target, compared with Moravian’s seven shots taken. Additionally, WC played a much cleaner game with just eight fouls as opposed to the Greyhounds’ 17.
Among other statistics, sophomore forward Shepherd Koffie recorded a WC team high of three shots although being in the game for less than 30 minutes. One of the team’s captains, senior midfielder Harrison Malone, and senior forward Zak Burgess, both followed Koffie posting two shots.
Although the end score was 0-0, Coach Roy Dunshee accredited the team’s defensive success to the returning of their backfield starters. The Shoremen’s defense ranked ninth among all division-three schools.
Coach Dunshee set a lofty goal for the season, shooting for the number one defense in the nation, and they are well on their way.
The Shoremen’s second game of the season against Penn State – Abington on Saturday ended in a score of 1-1. The teams duked it out again on Kibler Field with WC taking an early lead at the 15-minute mark, courtesy of fifth-year midfielder Ben Strine, with an assist from senior defender Chris Comber.
At the 62-minute mark, the Nittany Lions tied the game up after sneaking it by junior goalkeeper Cole White. Throughout the game, White recorded five saves and played the entire game.
The game got chippy in the final 20 minutes with Penn State – Abington receiving four yellow cards in five minutes while WC only received one.
Collectively, the Shoremen took 15 shots with two being on target and the Nittany Lions had seven on target, giving White a busy game. Additionally, WC’s opponent posted double the number of fouls with 20 with the team only getting 10.
According to Coach Dunshee, the team wholistically improved thanks to the recruitment of five first-year students and one transfer. “They have all performed really well so far, and they will strengthen our team immediately,” he said.
Along with the return of their strong defense, the Shoremen strengthened their attack with their incoming class with four midfielders and a forward. “I expect us to play an entertaining brand of soccer which will be fun to watch,” Coach Dunshee said.
The Shoremen’s next game is against the Stockton University Ospreys on Sept. 9 in Galloway, NJ. In 2022, the Shoremen’s away record was 5-4-1. This will be their first match against Stockton University. The Osprey opened up with a 4-1 win against Centenary University.
Senior midfielder Ben Horgan is challenged by a Moravian defender.
Photo courtesy of WC Athletics