The men’s soccer team saw its three-game win streak come to an abrupt halt over the weekend. The Braves traveled to Utah Valley and UNLV only to suffer consecutive 4-1 losses, both of which caused the team to take a step back.
“Though we’re young right now, to be honest, for what we’ve accomplished over the last 20 years, two 4-1 losing performances is something that can’t happen to us,” head coach Jim DeRose said. “Our kids are aware of the challenge we face every time we play. We’re going to get everyone’s best shot.”
Before the game, DeRose expressed his excitement to play at Utah Valley, noting the electric atmosphere of the opposing teams’ crowd.
“The atmosphere was awesome,” DeRose said. “They had a record crowd. We were one of the biggest names to come through there ever. It was definitely one of the top five environments I’ve ever played in.”
Undefeated Utah Valley gave the Braves its best shot on Friday night. The game was played even for the first 30 minutes until a “bizarre” turn of events occurred, according to DeRose. In the 30th minute, a ball found its way out from a scrum of players in the Bradley box and fell to a Utah Valley player, who put the ball in the back of the net.
After the second goal was scored near the end of the first half, the Braves were put on their heels and were never able to bounce back.
“We were our own worst enemy,” freshman forward Frank Bak said. “We had a bunch of opportunities like they did, but they put them in the back of the net and we just didn’t execute.”
The Braves were then 3-2 on the year and found themselves pitted against a formidable foe again in UNLV two days later. The Rebels proved to be too much to handle for the Braves early on and dealt the men their second loss in three days.
“I love playing UNLV,” DeRose said. “West Coast soccer is a lot different than Midwest soccer. Those kids grow up their whole lives playing soccer, and it’s just different than what we see here.”
DeRose said he learned when the Braves can’t impose their “identity” on teams, they can’t win. Their identity, he said, is defending collectively, taking away other team’s attacking options and executing in their scoring chances.
One of the few bright spots from the weekend came from Bak, who scored his third goal of the season. As a freshman, he has taken on a big role early in his career, and his performance is having a big impact.
“It’s been nice coming in as a forward and just being able to fill my role,” Bak said. “I have confidence in myself, and lately it’s been going good.”
DeRose lauded his freshman for his play, even as he was thrown into the fire from the beginning of the season.
“Frank is willing to play on both sides of the ball,” DeRose said. “It’s difficult for freshmen to come in and do what people [expect] you to do, but he’s been living up to expectations.”
The men play another road game tonight at Omaha.
