Statesmen Miss Opportunities in Opening Loss to Waldorf

William Penn University Athletics

Forest City–Despite doubling its host in shots, the William Penn men’s soccer team did not leave the pitch victorious Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Waldorf in non-conference play.

The Statesmen (0-1) posted an 18-9 advantage in shot attempts, but it was the Warriors (1-0) who held the 1-0 halftime lead courtesy of a goal at the 40:09 mark.

Cem Olgar (Fr., Duesseldorf, Germany, Industrial Technology), making his collegiate debut, knotted the matchup at 73:49, but the tie was short-lived as Waldorf scored soon after and held on for the win.

Angelo Kelly (So., Ottumwa, Iowa, Physical Education) did not get one in the back of the netting, but he was still the most active offensive player for William Penn with six shots. David Nega (Jr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Undecided) matched Olgar with three shots as well in his first game in the navy and gold.

Mason Bandy (Jr., Calgary, Alberta, Biology) played the entire game between the pipes, recording two saves in the setback.

Raphael Martinez made his head coaching debut Saturday and was proud of how well his team played, but disappointed that the Statesmen could not come away with the ‘W’.

“The better team over 90 minutes does not always win the game,” Martinez said. “Mental lapses during crucial times of the game will punish a team and that is exactly what Waldorf did to us today.”

“Their goalkeeper came up with some big-time saves to keep them in it; they made big plays when they needed to,” Martinez added. “Overall, there are many things we did well and many things we need to improve on. There is no time to dwell on a loss like this though. We will put it behind us and prepare for Briar Cliff on Wednesday.”

Next: William Penn travels to Sioux City Wednesday to face the Chargers in a non-conference contest at 6 p.m.