WSU Men's Soccer | Photo by Diana Jaber | The Wright State Guardian
The Wright State University men's soccer team opened conference play on Saturday against the Jaguars of IUPUI in its first home game of the season.
Leading up to the game
The Raiders came into Saturday’s match posting a 0-3-1 record, coming off a tough non-conference schedule having faced multiple top-25 teams.
Entering play Saturday, the Raiders led the overall series versus IUPUI 18-4, going 10-0 at home.
The game
Neither team scored in the first half, but both teams managed to put up six shots each before reaching halftime. The matchup was very physical, with WSU drawing six yellow-cards and IUPUI drawing one yellow and one red card.
After trailing 2-0 in the second half, the WSU team started clawing its way back. In minute 58, Sophomore Conner Osterholt scored the first goal for WSU off an assist from fifth year Nicolas Likulia.
“I was just in the right place at the right time,” Osterholt said following the match. “We have a lot to build on and have a lot to look forward to.”
Shortly after, in minute 70, senior Joe Kouadio capitalized for the Raiders and buried a penalty kick to tie the game.
As the match neared an end, both teams scrambled to score a game winner. In minute 88, Kouadio scored what would have been the game-ending goal after a header from a cross ball. The officials waived the offside goal.
“I think it was ridiculous in my opinion,” Kouadio said after the controversial call. “I don’t think I was offside whatsoever.”
Neither team scored a game-winner, resulting in a 2-2 draw. The Raider record is now 0-3-2.
“I think we are starting to realize that we can be who we want to be. Now it is about getting confidence back in our group,” Head Coach Jake Slemker said post-game.
The team will host Duquesne on Tuesday, Sept. 13 on Alumni Field at 5 p.m. before traveling to Green Bay for its second conference game of the season.
