Men's Soccer Falls to Berry College, 1-0, in 2009 Home Finale

BOX

St. Louis, Mo., October 23, 2009 – The Washington University in St. Louis men’s soccer team closed out its 2009 home slate at Francis Field with a 1-0 loss to Berry College on a chilly Friday night in St. Louis, Mo.

First half action featured only six total shots, three for each team split between the Bears and the Vikings, a provisional NCAA Division III member. Berry College had the better of the opportunities with two shots on goal while the Bears had none. Washington U. attempted one corner kick while Berry had four during the first 45 minutes.

The Vikings got on the board 15 minutes into the second half as Jorg Bergman, a product of Aachen, Germany, found a streaking Luis Salazar in the box. Salazar took a touch then placed the ball past Bears goalkeeper junior Andrew Serio. Serio replaced senior John Smelcer in goal to start the second half, making five saves while giving up the one goal to Salazar.

The Bears had their best two opportunities come with under five minutes to play. Sophomore Patrick McLean fielded a pass from senior Nat Zenner in the box by sliding toward the net, but he had his attempt deflected over the goal. The play resulted in a Bears’ corner kick, but the Red and Green couldn’t capitalize.

The last opportunity came as senior John Hengel found himself alone in the box thanks to a pass from McLean, but he blasted a shot over the crossbar. The Bears finished the match with seven shots, two of which were on goal. The Vikings had 10 shots, with eight on the net.

The Vikings (9-2-3) are back in action against Shorter College on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Bears played 22 players in Friday’s match in an effort to keep legs fresh for a showdown on Sunday with fourth-ranked Loras College. The Bears travel to Dubuque, Iowa, to take on the Duhawks with game time scheduled for 2 p.m.