The Marauder’s men’s soccer team achieved two more big wins, continuing their historical winning run.

According to the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America rankings, Millersville moved up one notch to 20th in the nation.

They have been efficient both defensively and offensively, scoring 15 goals, while conceding just three goals in five games.

Although the team is making history day in and day out, there is actually some disappointment that they were not ranked higher. Since the last rankings were posted, Millersville has a quality resume, and Coach Widdowson believes the team should be ranked higher than they are.

Teams with poorer resumes found themselves not sliding down the rankings, and others were not rewarded enough, by moving up in the rankings.

However, he also views this as a way of building on the momentum that has pushed the team this far.

Last week’s first victory arrived by virtue of an amazing come-from-behind win against Wilmington, who was nationally ranked, 23rd at the time of the game.

Millersville fell behind 1-0 by halftime, but found the back of the net early in the second half. Within a few minutes into the second half, Sophomore Shane Seabrook tied the game and began a scoring barrage of four successive goals.

The men's soccer team has been working hard to perfect their skills in practice this season, and it has translated to a 5-0 start. Photo by Christian Shuts.
The men's soccer team has been working hard to perfect their skills in practice this season, and it has translated to a 5-0 start. Photo by Christian Shuts.

Sophomore Kyle Loughlin, Senior Sean Mclaughlin, and Freshman Pat Bafuto each found the scorers sheet in the victory.

The game finished off the Marauder’s toughest test of the young season, a 4-2 victory, and shifted their focus towards Shippensburg.

“The first half was too hectic and too direct. We needed to get the ball down to feet and keep possession better. I needed to make no tactical moves, but instead calmed down our guys and control the game with pace, Widdowson said.

“In the second half, we came out and played our style and eventually our superior fitness took over, allowing us to break them down. We gained great confidence and showed our character in this game. We believe in ourselves and need to keep up the pace.”

The second win, came against PSAC East bottom feeders, Shippensburg. Millersville continued their dominance, rolling over their opponents.

They managed to net three goals before the first half came to a halt.

The Marauders punished Shippensburg on the scoreboard, 4-1, yet Coach Widdowson appeared flustered with his team’s performance.

The team’s expectations have risen tremendously, and the team is now pressed to improve each week.

“I was disappointed about our quality of possession play, despite the win. This game frustrated me more than any other. We have much more quality than they do, and should not have let them disrupt our play, as they did,” Widdowson said.

“It does give us something to improve on at upcoming practices though.”
Millersville’s magical start to the season heads out on the road next week, where they get a chance to take on PSAC West conference foe, Mercyhurst and battle against the nations sixth-ranked team, East Stroudsburg.

Mercyhurst sits fifth in the West conference, but have only played one game in conference play.

They have three wins and only one draw overall this season, though.

East Stroudsburg is on top of the PSAC East Conference and will most definitely be an immense test for the Marauders.

The East Stroudsburg matchup quite possibly could determine the conference champs this season, with both teams currently undefeated.