DES MOINES, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – With only four days of practice under their belts, the Duhawks visited Drake University for a preseason scrimmage. Sophomore
Alex Bradley opened the scoring on a free kick and junior Mike Gordon doubled the lead with a breakaway goal in the 47'. In the end, Loras suppressed the remaining Drake attacks and kept them at bay for the 2-1 decision.
Despite it being a preseason scrimmage, there was a lot on the line Wednesday night for Loras, who regularly recruits against Division I programs like Drake. Not only were the coaches focused on the goal at hand, it carried over to the roster where the team wanted to show that they are at the highest level of Division III soccer, competing with Division I programs.
"From the opening of camp, we were focused on this as our first real test," junior
Bryan Irwin said. "We all wanted to come out here and prove that we aren't 'just' a Division III program; that we can compete with all levels."
After a slower than average start by Loras' standards, the engines warmed up and kicked into gear. The Bulldogs were forced to handle a constant swarming pressure all night long, resulting in errant passes and scoring chances for the Duhawks.
In the attacking third for Loras, it was seniors
Johnny Rummelhart,
Tom Fluegel, and
Josh Kutzke that gave the Drake backline fits, forcing passes into tight spaces and turnovers in the midfield.
Senior
Mike Pizzello earned Loras' first free kick from within range in the 18'. Bradley approached and sent the free kick along the ground. As if it had eyes, the kick found its way to the back of the net, giving Loras the early 1-nil lead.
Even with the lead in hand, the Duhawks kept the pressure on Drake, ensuring that every exit from their own zone was contested. At times, the Bulldogs maneuvered their way through the midfield; only to play a ball deep towards goal and have Loras' backs swarm to clean up the mess.
Just after the midway point of the second period, freshman defender Ike Bruns busted hump to get back and disrupt the Drake offensive attack. In the process, Loras fed off his energy and countered quickly, getting the ball up top to the feet of junior Mike Gordon.
The fleet-footed Gordon made quick work of his mark, beating him around the edge and charged in on goal. With the keeper charging off his line, Gordon slotted his shot to the far post, giving Loras the 2-1 advantage.
Before their heart rates could settle following the goal, Loras was quickly brought back to earth as Drake earned a corner in the 48'. Brandon Welter's delivery came on a line and was driven home by James Grunert to cut the lead in half.
Sophomore Adam Roloff was tested during his 28 minutes in goal, making two huge saves to preserve the lead.
After the game, Head Coach
Dan Rothert praised his squad, but reminded them that this is just one step towards the end goal that they have set.
"Be excited and be happy about it, but don't be satisfied," Rothert said. "We've got a long season ahead and every team is gunning for us, so we need to make sure to go out and bring it every night."
A number of newcomers to Loras made their debut on Wednesday, making strong impacts on the game, one of which being sophomore transfer Matt Brant.
"I was super nervous for my first game but I got the opportunity to start and as a team we put in a good effort to get the win," Brant said.
The Duhawks will play their second scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday when they travel to Davenport, Iowa to play St. Ambrose. The Men's Reserves squad will kick off at 4 p.m. and the varsity at 6 p.m.
