Saturday, Oct. 3rd, ended up being a rough game for our Raider men’s soccer team.
The game was against Midland Lutheran, who was 4-4-1. The men put forth a good fight. Four shots were taken by the Raiders in the first half; two of the kicks are accredited to senior defender Tyler Sytsma, one to junior Aron Pall and one to freshman Brandon Hammack. Only one of the NW shots was off target whereas three of Midlands failed to reach goal range.
Goal keeper Jeff Lanser, a junior, made three saves throughout the game. For the duration of the game the two teams were tied 0-0 and the Raiders suffered a loss from a penalty kick in overtime. Although this loss puts their record at 8-2-1, the NW men still have enough games left to make it to the playoffs, which is one of the team’s goals for this season.
Head Coach Daniel Swier believes “if we play the way we are capable, we will be competing in post-season play.”
Swier also sees strength in the newest freshman members of the team who “are getting stronger with each contest.” He believes that the team has built a lot of “team chemistry” thus far in the season.
This is a necessity with twelve new recruits joining the team coming from as far as Fresno and some from right here in Orange City. The team is continually being reinforced as they get used to playing with the freshman.
The players can be seen in action at their next game which is at home against Dana College on Saturday, Oct. 10th at 4 p.m. followed by an away game at Mount Marty in Yankton, S.D., on Wednesday, Oct. 14th at 4 p.m.
The Raider women’s soccer team put forth a good effort against Midland Lutheran on Oct. 3rd.
Junior Annaliese Frye had one shot and one goal in the first half followed by two shots in the second half. Junior Jennifer Cantwell made thirteen saves as goal keeper.
Despite the Raider’s shots and saves, Midland came out on top 1-4. With ten new freshmen joining the team, the women are aiming to constantly work together and learn more about each other.
Freshman Hannah Krohn believes that this helps the team “connect on the field,” resulting in encouragement to work harder.
This connection also brings them closer to a team goal of finishing in the top half of the conference. Krohn stated that their main goal was to beat Morningside and they came close to achieving that goal, ending the game in a tie.
One of the most exciting moments for the team this season was winning the game against Nebraska Wesleyan. The Raiders hope to add another win to their record in their next game, which is against Dana College on Oct. 10th, at 2 p.m. on Korver Field.