Fighting Scots Remain Undefeated, Edge John Carroll 1-0

September 16, 2006
» Box Score

Written by Hugh Howard
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Erik Larson

WOOSTER, Ohio - In what proved to be a battle of the defenses, John Carroll University broke down first, as The College of Wooster men's soccer team squeaked out a 1-0 victory and remained undefeated on the year Saturday afternoon at a sunny Carl Dale Memorial Field.

Both teams battled back and forth throughout the entire first period, with the game scoreless entering the half. Neither team managed to get more than four shots off in the first period.

With time ticking away in period two, the Scots (5-0) were able to draw the John Carroll (0-3-2) 'keeper out of the net, and Karl Ruter responded by lofting the ball over the goalie's head into the upper right corner of the net for what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 56th minute. Steve Fracasso and Nick Waychoff were credited with assists on the goal.

The rest of the second period, much like the first, was a defensive war with neither team being able to get a good look at the goal. With 16:15 remaining in the game, the Blue Streaks managed to lure Scots' keeper Erik Larson a distance away from the goal, but could not capitalize as the ensuing shot sailed wide right.

The Scots looked to add an insurance goal with 6:35 remaining, when Josh Madson headed the ball into the goal, but Wooster was whistled for a foul and the goal called off.

John Carroll out-shot the Scots 12-9 during the contest, but the Scot defense never buckled as Wooster was victorious, redeeming one-goal losses to the Blue Streaks in the previous two seasons.

Defensively, Larson picked up his second shutout of the year, recording three saves along the way. John Carroll goalie Matt DeMarchi was also credited with three saves on the afternoon.

Wooster will travel to Muskingum on Wednesday, September 20, for a final non-conference match-up before opening North Coast Athletic Conference action at Earlham on September 23. Game time against the Muskies will be at 4:30.