Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Wednesday the Swarthmore Men’s Soccer team maintained its undefeated record, beating Widener 4-0 at home. Swarthmore controlled possession for most of the match and finished the game with a 21-4 advantage in shots. Widener was held shotless until the final 10 minutes of the game.
David Sterngold ’12 gave Swarthmore the early lead in the 21st minute, turning a defender and blasting a dipping 20-yard shot into the upper right corner of the net. In the 32nd minute, Fabian Castro ’12 scored off a cross from Ayman Abunimer ’12, bringing the score to 2-0 in Swat’s favor.
Early in the second half, Castro scored his second goal of the game from a penalty kick. Less than a minute later, Morgan Langley ’11 scored on a breakaway down the right side. Abunimer filled the role of playmaker, assisting on three of the Garnet’s goals. In net, captain Zach Weimar ’10 was only forced to make one save in 80 minutes of action.
The Garnet has been doing extremely well this season, despite graduating eight seniors, including a first team all-American selection. “We somehow understand each other a lot more, which makes it easier in terms of dynamics. Everyone’s got a superb attitude; we all work hard,” says defender Pierre Dyer ’12.
The team had its first big challenge on Sunday the 13th, when they played Stevens Tech at home on Clothier Field. At the time, Stevens was No. 2 on the NSCAA/Adidas Division III Rankings, and Swarthmore was No. 11. Both teams played intensely. 33 fouls were called during the game, 22 of which went against the home team. Midway through the first half, Roberto Contreras ’12 was able to shoot left-footed into the right corner of the net off a header assist from Sterngold.
No. 2 ranked Stevens is the highest-ranked opponent ever defeated by a Swarthmore Men’s Soccer team. The victory propelled the Garnet to No. 9 in the national rankings, the highest they’ve ever been.
“We played very well against Stevens. We have proven that we are capable of beating the best teams in the country. This weekend is another opportunity to test ourselves and improve as a team,” says Micah Rose ’12.
Swarthmore has another big game on Saturday against rivals No. 25 Johns Hopkins on Clothier Field at 7:00 PM.