By Nicholas Slepnikoff
After the Pilot women won another amazing 8-0 shutout against the University of San Francisco, the men's team continued the streak, winning their game versus rival Gonzaga 5-1. Amidst flying feet and flagrant fouls, the men took a staggering 19 shots, 11 on target.
Each goal made the packed Pilot grandstand erupt with cheers, and each foul brought waves of hissing disapproval onto the field.
This win pushes the squad to 8-3-3 for the season, with less than half the regular season left to play. Returning to the university after tying Gonzaga last Wednesday, the Pilot men knew they needed to win.
"We knew we had to come out flying after the tie last game (versus Gonzaga)," junior Ryan Luke said. "We really wanted to protect our home field and make a statement for the rest of the league in the second half."
Although the first 15 minutes of the game showcased the rivalry between the two squads, with early fouls and hard tackles from each team, the 16th minute brought a penalty kick which Gonzaga would have to defend.
After clearing an amazing corner kick from the Pilots, Gonzaga goalkeeper Scott Barnum took out senior Drew Chrostek.
With Barnum knocking him down from behind, the referees quickly called out the penalty. Junior Jarad vanSchaik took and made the penalty kick, beginning the flood of Pilot goals that would continue through the cloudy day.
With chunks of Merlo Field flying due to the early rain, grass divots littered the field in the first half.
Soon after vanSchaik's goal at 15 minutes and 11 seconds, the junior made his way back into the box, scoring another goal from 18 yards out at 20 minutes and 16 seconds. VanSchaik, forcing his way through numerous Gonzaga players, brought the ball downfield until he pounded it in and pushed the Pilot's to a 2-0 lead.
"It feels good to just come out and get a result especially after the rocky patch we've been going through," vanSchaik said. "It's good to get back on the right track."
Continuing the volley of shots, Luke scored again at 40 minutes and 51 seconds, pushing the Pilots to 3-0. Assisted by vanSchaik and sophomore Michael Nielson, Luke snuck one past the goalkeeper, putting it into the lower left corner of the goal.
After the whistle for the second half blared across the field, the Pilots experienced some more abuse from the Gonzaga squad. At 51 minutes and 51 seconds, Gonzaga's James Partee, who slid in for the ball, connected with a Pilot ankle instead. Earning him a red card, the Zags played the rest of the game one man down.
This foul was soon followed by another goal from Luke. Assisted by freshman Ricardo Carrillo's corner kick and a quick pass from vanSchaik, Luke scored yet another goal, coming at 51 minutes and 32 seconds.
The Pilots, who had dominated the Zags throughout the game, were not quite finished. Assisted by Carrillo, freshman Joe Sleven managed to squeeze another goal in at 63 minutes and 57 seconds.
Although the Zags managed to score one goal in the 73rd minute, it would be the only one they managed to get from the Pilots. Other than a close call earlier in the game where a ball bounced off the post, the Zags never managed to create any plays that really put the home squad in jeopardy. Also, junior goalkeeper Austin Guerrero saved two shots on goal, showing superior command of the box throughout the game.
Due to the lead, the Pilots managed to get some new faces onto the field. VanSchaik said that it was a good game overall, which allowed some new players game time and older players the opportunity to take it easy for later games. Luke also avowed that the freshmen, including Carrillo, Sleven and others, have managed to incorporate themselves well and are great additions to the team.
Head Men's Coach Bill Irwin also thought the team did well. Saying it was a great game, Irwin continued that it was nice to get one back after the tie versus Gonzaga earlier in the week.
"I thought we closed them down, put them under pressure, and capitalized on the chances we made," Irwin said. "Here today we put them away and hopefully we'll continue to make chances and put them away."
Additionally, he thought that the men have managed to get other teams anxious.
We want people to be frightened to come in here and the guys can do their business," Irwin said.
Playing two home games this week versus Saint Mary's tomorrow and Santa Clara on Sunday, the Pilots are in for a busy week. Irwin, however, has confidence in the team.
"Every game is a tough game, so we'll approach every game the same." Irwin said. "The guys will be ready for them, we've got a week now to get ready for it. This time of year they know what we want."
