BOLIVAR, Mo. - Although (RV) William Woods University (0-1) had one more shot on goal, the Owls fell 4-2 in their season opener against NCAA Division II Southwest Baptist University Friday at SBU Soccer Field.
Both teams totaled 13 shots, with WWU placing nine on goal. Responding to the Bearcats' opening goal in the 14th minute, the Owls found their leveler on their third shot on target, when
Benjamin Lachaize scored off a
Fabio Juricko assist in the 23rd minute.
Southwest Baptist answered in the 31st minute before William Woods won a penalty 10 minutes later, and
Charlie Williams converted his spot kick to tie it at 2. Unfortunately for the Owls, they weren't able to maintain their goal-scoring in the second half despite having eight shots (five on goal), while the Bearcats did and netted two goals on five shots (three on goal).
Tennessee Wesleyan University transfer
Mathias Cobb notched a match-high four shots and three shots on goal in his William Woods debut, and Owls netminder Mathew Dworak made four saves.
"Today was rubbish," William Woods Director of Soccer
Tommy Nienhaus said. "SBU didn't even attempt to play soccer and instead just smashed everything forward and played for corners and throw-ins, which, to their credit, they took advantage of. Conceding three goals off throw-ins is pathetic.
"We had plenty of chances to bury the game, but when that doesn't happen, you let teams like this hang around, and well, we deserve to lose, really. Not much to say, other than move on and get back to work.
"Several players went missing in action, so the next step is giving other players chances because we don't have time to wait. Conference play will be here in two weeks."
Looking to turn it around, William Woods faces Concordia University (Neb.) (0-1) at 1 p.m. Thursday at North Campus Athletic Complex in Fulton, Mo. Â
