Soccer seasons end with senior night and shutouts

‘Berg gained control 36 minutes in, after scoring two goals within a minute and a half of each other. Brian Heckman ‘18 opened up scoring with his first goal of the season at the 35:43 mark—he flicked one in after a solid pass by Anthony Carracino ‘18. Moments later, Carracino himself slotted in a rebound goal to double the Mules’ lead.

Seventy-two minutes into the game, Pete Luther ‘20 fired home his seventh goal of the season—the team-high and also good enough for a fourth place tie on the Centennial Conference leaderboard. No seniors scored for the Mules on Saturday, but four of them attempted a shot, and all seven helped to hold down Ursinus and keep them from scoring.

Later in the day, women’s soccer kicked off their own game against Ursinus. Before the game, seven seniors were honored as well; Courtney Simon, Rachel Manci, Abby Lazofsky, Claire Douglass, Kaitlin Cassidy, and Tori Gonzalez. Both Cassidy and Gonzalez unfortunately missed playing in their last game as a Mule due to injuries.

It took the women significantly less time to score than the men, off a Carly DeNigris ‘18 pass, Alyssa Rose ‘20 headed in the Mules’ lone goal in the seventh minute. It was enough for the win, however, as the home defense stifled the opposing Ursinus offense all night.

Both teams remained even in the first half, but Ursinus increased its offensive attacks and outshot Muhlenberg 0-5 in the second half. But the Mules were able to hold their defensive line to force the errors and offsides.

The win was the sixth of the women’s season, and concluded the less than mediocre season for the Mules.

Despite saying goodbye to seven seniors, there is strong talent among the underclassmen, as women’s soccer will continue to improve into next season.

In college sports, senior day can be emotional, if not frustrating, as a game of final opportunities for some players. But, Saturday, Muhlenberg College’s men and women soccer squads lined up for two happy shutouts against Ursinus. On a busy family weekend, Muhlenberg parents, friends, and students were treated to solid wins from both teams.

In the afternoon, the mens soccer team notched their fourth win of the season with three goals. The team honored seven seniors: Chris Skutnik, Jack Dusing, Nick Sarkos, Patrick Bell, Andrew Bell, Phil Rahling and Jeff Remley, who all started the game for the Mules.