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BY TARIQ FISCHER

In print | Published October 28, 2004

In the words of Dick Vitale, “It’s the playoffs, baby!”

Last night’s 2-1 win at Ursinus clinched a playoff spot for the men’s soccer team for the first time in Centennial Conference history. Andrew Terker ’06 played hero for the third time this season, scoring in the 23rd and 56th minutes to put Swat into the playoffs.

Coach Eric Wagner phoned from the bus on the way home to describe Terker’s fabulous first goal. “We had a long throw-in. Marty [Griffith ’05] received it and flipped a pass to Terker, who headed it home,” he said. The Tide dominated the first 20 minutes but, as Wagner explained, “we gave them more chances than they should have gotten.”

Ursinus capitalized with 20 seconds left in the first half, scoring off a header to tie the game. Terker scored his third game winning of the season in the second half off a pass from Brandan Grady ’08.

Goalkeeper Reuben Heyman-Kantor ’06 recorded five saves for the Tide.

Last Saturday’s double-overtime draw against McDaniel tied Swat with Franklin and Marshall for second place in the Conference. Second place plays at home against third place in the semifinals of the Conference playoffs. The Tide will either play on Nov. 3 or Nov. 5, depending on the outcome of the upcoming Haverford game.

Last Saturday, the Tide took on the McDaniel Green Terror. Last year, Swat was smothered by Terror offense in the 0-3 conference loss.

This year’s game was well attended by excited and rowdy fans, including a trumpeter and half-naked students with “GO SWAT” painted on their chests. The six topless avid fans braved the cold weather, but were eventually forced to take a warm-up lap around Clothier in order to prevent serious nipple-itis.

Fan support has steadily increased all season; Swarthmore remains undefeated at home.

Jeff Schneider ‘05, famous for his witicisms and vocal abuse toward opponents and officials alike, is thrilled about the support for the team. "The energy in the stands is something we haven’t had in a long time, " he said. “I thought it was awesome.”

The tie with Franklin and Marshall may be short-lived if Swat defeats Haverford this Saturday. F & M is an underdog in its final game as it faces undefeated and nationally ranked Johns Hopkins. Swat also defeated Diplomats 1-0 earlier this season. If Swat and Hopkins win, the Tide will enter the Conference tournament as the number-two seed.

For the first time since joining the Centennial Conference, Swat’s season will continue beyond final game against Haverford.

Its awesome, baby!

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