Bobcats Score Late to Secure Their Second Win of the Season

The Frostburg State University men’s soccer team spent this past weekend in Pittsburgh, participating in their second tournament of the season, falling to the Carnegie Mellon Tartans 0-1. Things continued to be the same for the Bobcats, as their defense shined, shutting down the Tartans explosive offense, but continued to lack in offense themselves. Bobcats senior goalkeeper Hassan Mostafa played lights-out in the first and second half of the game, shutting down all 10 attempts that came his way. The Bobcats and the Tartans both recorded 10 shots in the game. The Bobcats offense put the pressure on in the second half, with several chances to score. Their biggest chance came in the 65th minute, when Bobcat junior Rodrigo Valenzuela was given a free kick, which he hit off the post. The ball was rebounded by FSU junior Mack Naughton, who sent the ball sailing too high over the net. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 0-0 going into overtime. In overtime, with just 44 seconds remaining on the clock, Carnegie Mellon sophomore Phillip Petrakian was awarded a free kick, and the Tartans made the most of it. Freshman Cooper Tubiana put the game winning goal in with a header goal off the free kick, giving Carnegie Mellon the win.

The Bobcats continued tournament play the following day, falling to the Kenyon Lords 2-3. The Bobcats got a lucky bounce early in the first half, when Kenyon sophomore Bret Lowry accidently put the ball into his own net trying to clear it. However, it was not long before Kenyon was able to respond, as junior Oliver Wynn put the ball in the back of the net on a free kick. Just 28 seconds later following the tying goal by Kenyon, Bobcats freshman Josh Mcrobie scored on a nice pass from fellow freshman Matt Morris, giving the Bobcats a 2-1 lead going into the half. The Bobcats just could not find their edge again in the second half, as Kenyon took full control. In the 59th minute, Kenyon’s Jordan Glassman tied the game at 2-2. In the 80th minute of the game, Kenyon’s Tony Amolo was able to put the ball in the back of the net, which would end up being the game winner, giving Kenyon a 3-2 victory. While the score does not show it, Kenyon dominated in the shots category, out shooting the Bobcats 22-4. Frostburg State came out of the weekend tournament 0-2, as their offensive struggles continue.

Frostburg State was able to snag their second win of the year this past Thursday night, with a 1-0 victory over Penn State Altoona. Both teams put up an even fight throughout the game, with both recording multiple scoring chances. The Lions had two big opportunities to score, both wide open shots going off the post, once in the first half and once in the second half. The Bobcats outshot Penn State Altoona 11-7, as the defense put up another strong performance, holding the Lions to minimal scoring opportunities. While the Bobcats continued to struggle connecting on offense, Bobcat sophomore Carvell Akuffo was able to put the ball in the back of the net, off a rebound with 9:27 remaining in the game FSU was able to maintain possession for the remaining nine minutes and clinch a 1-0 win. The Bobcats are now 2-1 at home, and 2-4 overall. They go back on the road this Saturday, Sept. 17 to take on Washington & Jefferson at 2 p.m.