The Wildcats had two disappointing match-ups at home last weekend adding two losses to their 3-10 record.

On Friday, Oct. 12 the ’Cats were defeated by Ohio Dominican University 0-2 and on Sunday Oct. 14 they lost to Ashland University 0-3.

Head coach Matt Granstrand said he thought the weekend went well over all considering the fact that the Wildcat’s roster is full of young players.

“We are a young team and we have had a lot of injuries this year,” Granstrand said. “We have had some real good soccer, but we just haven’t been getting the wins. I wouldn’t trade anything, we are just young and it is going to take some time.”

Freshman goalkeeper Shelby Conard said she thought the weekend went well despite the scores.

“We have the talent out on the field,” Conard said. “I think we progressed throughout the weekend. We outshot both teams, which hasn’t happened yet this season.”

Granstrand said soccer is one of those games that is not fair as far as results go sometimes, the team can win in shots on goal, but will lose on the scoreboard.

“We just haven’t caught a break yet,” Granstrand said. “They finish and we don’t, that is the final part of the game and it will come. We are asking a lot of young players to step up and make the plays. It just takes time, there is no magic answer.”

Conard said the team worked on a few things prior to their games last weekend that may have helped the team compete.

“We always try to work on everything during practices,” Conard said. “We do a lot of shooting, passing, talking and we go over the formations.”

The team has not been performing as well as they had hoped for this season, but Conard said there have been a few injuries that have played a huge factor in the team’s struggles. Although the team has had a few set backs, they continue to work hard.

“We are always working hard, and trying to keep together as a team.”

As a goalkeeper, Conard has a vastly different role than her teammates. She has a full view of the field at all times and can not contribute to the scoreboard in regards to goals, but when it comes to playing in a game, she says the team has to stick together to succeed.

“We win as a team and lose as a team,” Conard said. “I always know that I have to stay positive or the energy falls out on the field. If I stay positive and upbeat, it creates a more energetic feel out on the field. I know that it’s very important to keep believing in your team no matter how down you are. When one person is down, the whole team falls.”

As the weather gets colder, the team will continue to battle on their frozen battlefield behind the dome. Conard said she is not worried about the impending shift in weather.

“Most of us on the team, besides the freshmen, know what it’s like to play in this cold, wet weather,” Conard said. “We are used to it, and sometimes it seems like we actually play better in it.”

Up next for the Wildcats is a trip downstate to play Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University.

“Grand Valley always leads the conference, except this year, and we always
try to give them a run for their money,” Conard said. “It’s always a good game with them.”

The Wildcat’s next game will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19 in Big Rapids, Mich. against Ferris State. The ’Cats will then continue their stint on the road with a contest at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 in Allendale, Mich. against Grand Valley State.