by Patrick McGuire ’14
Just when you think the Wildcats are starting to lose momentum and fade, they come back and prove you wrong. Coming off three straight draws to formidable opponents like St. Edward, Masillon Jackson, and University School, frustration was mounting for the ‘Cats.
The Wildcats struggled to pass the ball with the efficiency typical in a Mike McLaughlin run offense, but the defense has held its own for the ‘Cats. Coach McLaughlin has been able to fall back on strong defensemen like Matt Nigro and David Sisson as well as superb goal keeping by Mikal Outcalt to weather the storm.
Against Twinsburg, the ‘Cats came out and played their trademark offense– physical and hard-nosed, striking early in the first half with two goals: one by Cole Brownsberger and the other on a penalty kick by freshman Stephen Milhoan. These two goals set the tone for the rest of the match as the Wildcat defense with keeper Mikal Outcalt were able to blank the Twinsburg attack.
The ‘Cats would tack on another goal in the second half as senior co-skipper Matty Ivancic netted the third of the night for the ‘Cats, and that would be enough to hold off the Tigers of Twinsburg. The Wildcats defeated the Tigers by a score of 3-0, adding to the impressive resume of keeper Mikal Outcalt. With this shutout, Outcalt adds his sixth “clean-sheet” (i.e. shutout) of the season, which is impressive in its own right.
Coach McLaughlin and the ‘Cats gained a much needed victory in terms of momentum as they will take on a very difficult, perennial contender in Olentangy Liberty. Though Coach McLaughlin knows that this team has to take the season one match at a time, this is a crucial match not only for momentum but confidence. If the Wildcats defeat Olentangy liberty, they would have two quality victories over impressive opponents when they head into a difficult stretch, playing two teams from Washington D.C. and then finishing the season against Gahanna Lincoln.
Against Twinsburg, this Wildcat soccer team took the first step toward greatness, snapping the recent funk that they were in as they head into the final stretch of the season.
