FGCU’s men’s soccer team returned to Pickering Field at the FGCU Soccer Complex on Sunday, Sept. 8 after traveling on the road for three weeks. They lost their home opener against the Utah Valley University Wolverines, 2-0.
The away journey did not bode well for the Eagles as they dropped three games without putting up a single goal against North Carolina State University, Elon University and Georgia Southern University. They were able to draw 3-3 against the University of Southern Florida (USF) on Thursday, Sept. 6 eyeing to convert that momentum against the Wolverines.
Utah Valley entered this game with an undefeated 3-0-1 record. Their one draw came across the University of California, Davis on the road before making the trek to the Sunshine State.
The Eagles started the match on the attack taking three shots, two of which were on goal but were saved by Wolverine junior goalkeeper Ben Williams. This was a common theme throughout the night as the Eagles shot 13 times, four on goal and were either saved or overshot.
In the 14th minute, redshirt senior middleback Omar Yehya scored the Wolverines’ first goal after gaining possession of the ball in the Eagles’ territory to force a 1-on-1 with the graduate student goalkeeper Cooper Blay.
Yehya struck again in the 61st minute, getting his second goal in his second shot. This was the game’s last goal as the Eagles walked away with their fourth loss in under a month.
“They had a much more lethal attack,” FGCU Men’s Soccer Head Coach Jesse Cormier said. “Obviously, when they had their opportunities, they took them. We had some opportunities, a lot in the second half, and we didn’t take them.”
Goals have been a stat line the Eagles have lacked. Over the course of their first five games, they have been outscored 9-3, only scoring in their contest with USF.
“I didn’t think we had the right energy tonight,” Cormier said. “And the game of football is quite unforgiving. You have to have the energy.”
FGCU held the ball for 62% of the night but didn’t make the most of the opportunities when they were presented on the Wolverines’ side of the field. Poor decision-making has plagued this team as late passes and untaken shots have prevented them from scoring.
Sunday’s contest was a physical one as both teams combined for 31 fouls. The Eagles drew 15 of those fouls, which puts them 16th in the country for the most fouls per game averaging 15.60.
While physicality can aid teams it has only hurt the Eagles as it puts their opponent in a better position in their territory. If the Eagles don’t fix these issues before ASUN conference play begins it could see them out of postseason contention for the second year in a row.
The Eagles travel to High Point University in High Point, North Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 15 before returning to Pickering Field on Saturday, Sept. 21, against the Jacksonville University Dolphins to begin conference play.
