Men's Soccer begins on right track
By Josh Kolm
Sports Editor
September 7, 2010
 Despite having a single goal over two games, the Lancer Men’s Soccer team find themselves in excellent shape after the first weekend of the regular season.
The Lancers’ obvious shortcoming going in to this season was a lack of experience. Only three returning players to this year’s squad have at least four years of playing experience at the university level, while 16 are entering their rookie and sophomore years.
Head Coach and 2009 OUA Coach of the Year Steve Hart is not one many can beat in terms of soccer smarts, and he is eager to see the fresh players, rather than be intimidated by their lack of experience.
“We have some exciting young talent getting ready for their first taste of soccer at this level,” Hart said. “I’m confident we can have a successful year.”
The first challenge for the young Lancers was the Guelph Gryphons. While neither team was able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities through most of the first half, the Lancers struck in the final minutes. Third-year forward Ryan Wise gained the ball in the open field and fired a rocket at the Guelph net after dancing past the last defender.
Despite the Gryphons receiving several more opportunities in the second, Windsor goalkeeper Dan Mendonca was a brick wall, racking up seven saves on his way to the shutout victory.
The following day, the Lancers made the trip to Hamilton to face the McMaster Marauders, where they felt how frustrating facing a rock-solid goalie could be. Despite plenty of penetration by the Windsor forwards in getting the ball past the Marauder defense, keeper Matthew Grant could not be beat, racking up 15 saves on the way to a shutout of his own. Despite once again not allowing their opponents to score, the Lancers had to settle for a single point in the standings.
As a result of their play this weekend, the Lancers find themselves sitting at second place in the OUA West Division standings, behind the Western Mustangs.
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