FROSTBURG, Md. – The Frostburg State Men's Soccer team fell just short in a competitive conference game against Davis & Elkins on Sunday afternoon, by a final score of 4-3.
Both teams were forced to battle the elements as the rain came down, as neither side was able to create many meaningful chances in the opening minutes. Junior Alex Retzos was played a ball from the midfield, earning the first shot of the game for either team. Following a goal kick, D&E charged up to their offensive half, creating back-to-back corner kicks. FSU's defense was able to force the ball out of their defensive box, and maintain possession heading the other way. Retzos was soon fouled, earning a chance at a penalty kick. The Senator's goalie made a diving save, allowing the game to remain 0-0 almost 20 minutes in.
The ball was played in the middle of the field continuously switching possession for the next ten minutes. Frostburg was able to gain full control of the ball, bringing it close to the box. Sophomore Kevin Garcia-Torres was fouled with the ball just outside the eighteen, earning himself a free kick. From the near side of the field, Garcia-Torres curved the ball and slipped it in past the D&E goalie to put the Bobcats on the board 1-0.
A near three minutes later, D&E had a one touch shot and goal from almost 25 yards out to tie the game 1-1. With both teams now on the board, both squads played aggressively, fighting for the lead. With three minutes left in the first half, FSU earned themselves a corner kick, resulting in junior Caleb Dell heading the ball out of the air to junior Mateo Cuadros, who tapped the ball in the net for a 2-1 Frostburg lead at the half.
Substitutions were made by both teams to start the second half. This benefited D&E, as another goal was scored early to tie the game 2-2. For majority of the ten minutes to follow those substitutions, the ball was kicked around with no true action, until the Senators cut past the Frostburg defense and scored to take the lead 3-2.
The game started to get chippy as both teams swapped yellow cards. FSU kept the ball in their offensive half, trying to get another goal. The Bobcats went on to earn a free kick once more, a few yards from the box. Cuadros was set to take the kick, playing the ball into the box. In favor of Frostburg, the ball was deflected, finding the foot of Dell, who was able to send it straight into the back of the net to tie the game 3-3 with just over four minutes to go. D&E kicked off following the goal and earned a lucky break, as they moved around FSU's defense and scored their fourth and the final goal of the game, taking a 4-3 lead with just over two minutes remaining. FSU battled to the end but ran out of time, dropping the contest 4-3.
With the conclusion of the game, FSU falls to an overall record of 3-3, while D&E moves to an overall record of 1-2-1. Frostburg is back at Bobcat Stadium on Wednesday, September 20 at 5 PM, as they play another conference game hosting West Liberty. For more information, please visit frostburgsports.com.
