Dubuque Debacle

When the rains came for two days prior to Saturday, Luther Soccer knew they were going to be in for a sloppy match. After dominating possession in the previous four games, Luther knew that a sloppy field would probably hurt their ability to keep the ball and defend with high pressure as they have all year. The newly seeded game field did not absorb much of the moisture and the boys were in for a sloppy one. After going up early on a great turn and finish in the box by Adam Pyzdrowski, Luther looked to start conference play out on a high note. Unfortunately, some quesitonable refereeing gave Dubuque a quickly taken free kick as well as a corner kick where a kid hit the shot of his life, and theNorse were left looking up at Dubuque 2-1.

Luther out shot Dubuque 17-9 and once again dominated possession, but at the end of the day they have to sieze their opportunities, which is something Luther has struggled with all year. If Alex Case's half volley is struck anywhere but right at the keeper in the first half, it is 2-1 Luther, who did not look likely to look back. If Luther gets a call on a suspect clearence off the Dubuque goal line on an Adam Dane header, or if Gui Castro puts away his 1v1 with the keeper in the second half, Luther take back the lead. But hindsight is 20-20 and should and could haves don't change anything. On a good note, the Luther Men gave a great effort that the coaching staff were pleased with. Everyone was left baffled at the end of the game as to how Luther could play so well and still not come away with a result. It comes down to small mistakes, little lapses in concentraiton that have been the difference all year for the Norse. They are doing their best to keep spirits high and continue to improve, which is all this young team has done. The Norse look to continue to improve this Saturday in a winnable contest with Cornell.