Like all fall sports, the men’s soccer team stayed on campus over Fall Break and turned their attention to an away trip to Illinois College on October 11. In brisk conditions, Monmouth came out and looked like the better team, but were unable to land the killer blow. That is, until Martin Zafirov’s stunning goal from 30 yards out to win the game with 15 seconds left on the board.
Returning home on October 19 to face playoff contender Lake Forest, Monmouth faced a tough challenge. The game started well for the Scots, with Senior Duh Thang opening scoring with a well-placed free kick that left the keeper grounded. The Scots fought hard the rest of the game, but were unable to hold a perseverant Lake Forest who equalized in the second half before scoring the winning goal 4 seconds from time. The Scots experienced the highs and lows of college soccer in the space of a week, yet attention had to turn quickly to the next game against Lawrence on the 20th.
After a sluggish start, Monmouth managed to find the back of the net in a devastating 25 minute period scoring 3 goals to end the weekend on a high. Regular scorer Alvaro Alvarez found the back of the net with a well-timed header that looped over the Lawrence keeper. Freshman Kai Jones got on the end of a well worked play and finished with a tap in at the back post. Certainly, the highlight of the game was hard worker Lukas Nilsson’s finish from 30 yards out that sailed over the net and ensured a 3-0 win for the Scots. The win also saw the Scots break the school record for shutouts in a season, now standing at seven.
The past few weeks have tested the Scots emotionally, physically, and mentally as they continue their push for a playoff spot. The next home game is against Grinnell College on Saturday and is an opportunity to recognize all the seniors who have contributed so much to this program.
Kieren Marshall - Contributing Writer