The USI men’s soccer team made its home debut on Tuesday night against the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The team entered the game off a tough loss against the University of Louisville of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Despite the lopsided score, which saw the Screaming Eagles lose by six goals, the Screagles played down a man after Joaquin d’Escoto, freshman defender, was sent off with a red card three minutes into the match. It is a daunting task playing half a game with a mismatch, let alone an entire game. Despite the previous result, the team opened the game strongly, particularly in defense. Kristopher Martial, junior defender and Virgil Stevens, freshman defender, played with composure as the two central defenders. The opponent’s attack was held in check and did not have a shot attempt throughout the entire first half. Will Kirchhofer, junior midfielder, provided extra support by dropping back when necessary and passing opportunities between the defense and midfield, as the Screaming Eagles attempted to break down the Rose-Hulman defense. 

The strength in the back allowed USI to play with confidence in the midfield and up front. The Screaming Eagles had multiple chances to score goals, five of which came off of corner kicks in the first half. Additionally, they attempted five shots on goal, but failed to score. 

Going into halftime, USI looked formidable in attack, but needed to make adjustments in the second half. To open the second half, Coach Mat Santoro made three substitutions, bringing on Pablo Juan, junior midfielder, Tony Murphy, freshman midfielder and freshman forward, Bello Kadiri. 

With these substitutions, USI’s attack looked much more confident, but the defense let up a bit. The opponents were able to find five shot attempts, three of which were in the USI box. However, Jacob English, freshman goalkeeper, made a couple of remarkable plays, keeping the game tied. 

Despite the uptick in attacking chances for Rose-Hulman, USI started to turn up the pressure up front. Kadiri Bello was a notable attacker for USI, making relentless attacks on the right-hand side. His energy shifted the momentum to the Screaming Eagles. With less than 30 minutes to go, the Screagles jumped on the momentum, as Pablo Juan, junior midfielder, scored a goal, just inside the opponent’s box, giving the USI a 1-0 lead. 

14 minutes after the goal, Juan scored another goal, which would’ve put USI up and most likely sealed the game, but the goal was disallowed after he was found to have been offside. (Past the last defender, without possession of the ball.)

Fortunately, this error did not come back to bite USI, as the defense only allowed two more shot attempts, both of which were saved from entering the goal. At the end of 90 minutes, USI ended the match victorious by a score of 1-0. 

Throughout the game, USI looked composed and energetic. Ahiro Nakamae, sophomore midfielder, played all 90 minutes and gave an excellent effort, making forward runs. In goal, Jacob English looked excellent, making one save and coming in for clearances when necessary. I see English being the starting goalkeeper for the season going forward. 

The Screaming Eagles continue their homestand on Monday with a game against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay at 7 p.m.