Defense Dominates in 2-0 Shutout of Wofford

Senior captain Chris Williams led the way during a dominating defensive outing.

Sophomore goalie Phil Saunders had a very easy day standing between the posts in the men’s soccer team’s game against Wofford. The reigning Southern Conference Champion, featuring seven seniors with experience playing in the N.C.A.A. tournament against the nations top team’s, managed just five shots in 90 minutes, only two of which were on goal, and were shutout by UMBC.

After a three goal lead at the half against V.M.I. in the season opener the defense broke down and gave up three second half goals, but there were no breakdowns this time.

“The work rate was a lot better this game than the last game,” Senior center back Chris Williams said. “We learned off that V.M.I. second half were we let in three easy goals so we came out and changed our attitudes, worked harder, and got a shutout.”

Coach Pete Caringi said that after giving up “too many soft goals” against V.M.I. he decided to focus on a strong team defense.

“The one game that we had a shutout against Maryland in a scrimmage we really concentrated on playing team defense and I thought we did a good job of that this game,” he said.

As the defense improved, the offense remained dominate. UMBC may have only scored two goals, but they pressured the Terriers the entire game, forcing opposing goalkeeper Andrew Drennan to come up with nine saves.

Nirava Kadam and Levi Houapeu each scored their second goals of the season, and both were assisted by Andrew Bulls, who now has four helpers in two games.

With just 56 second remaining in the first half Bulls found Houapeu up front cutting in from the right. Houapeu then made a a quick move past the defender and then shot it in from 11 yards out for the games first goal.

Bulls’ second assists came at 77:41 when he crossed a long pass from Williams inside to Kadam, who tapped the ball in from two yards out.

Bulls had two great chances to score, the first was on a free kick in the first half that hit the cross bar, and the second was in the second half when he lines up for a penalty kick, but Brennan made the save.

UMBC may have their toughest task yet on Wednesday when they take on beltway rival Towson University. The Tigers beat Mount St. Mary’s in their season opener 2-0 and will be led by the always dangerous duo of Marco Mangione (8 goals, 4 assists in 2009) and Liam Maloney (10 goals, 4 assists in 2009).

UMBC is 12-11-3 all-time against Towson, and have split the last four times they’ve played. UMBC beat Towson last season 1-0.

“Towson is a very good team, very dangerous offensively, and they got maybe one of the best players in the country in Marco Mangioni so we got to be prepared,” Caringi said. “It’s a great rivalry, the coaches know each other, it will be a fun game for both of us.”