Jackets pull through against Oilers with last-minute goal

by Lauren Vargas

The intensity of play was high on Thursday, September 18, as the Cedarville men’s soccer team took on the University of Findlay’s Oilers for the first conference matchup of the season. Fans packed the stands, banging together pool noodles and drumming on buckets. Both teams fought valiantly to the end for the win; however, the play-by-play leaned in Cedarville’s favor, resulting in a 2-1 victory.

Coming off a 1-1 tie against Trevecca, the Jackets were looking to show some improvement in their gameplay. Coach Brett Faro made some changes to the lineup, starting some of his best players on the field.

Several fouls in the first quarter assured the crowd that this would be no cheap win for either side. Cedarville and Findlay attempted several strikes on goal within the first few minutes of kickoff. Luckily, the Jackets’ defensive line successfully thwarted most of Findlay’s shot attempts.

Despite intensive play, neither team successfully advanced the ball throughout the first half. Findlay looked eager to pull a shot off and redeem their 1-2 win-loss record, yet Cedarville repeatedly closed the door on their hopes.

Striker Michael Catanzarite did exceptionally well with ball control on the front line, supported by defenders Amari Everage and Matthew Weller. Kirk Wilson pulled off a magnificent strike in the 66th minute to score Cedarville’s first goal, thanks to an assist from Pablo Novás Cortiñas.

The 74th minute brought some unwelcomed news, however, as Findlay came back with a vengeance and scored on the Jackets’ unsuspecting defense. Taken aback by the sudden shift in gameplay, the Jackets took a moment to recover. For a brief moment, it seemed that the game might end in another tie, both teams having to accept a draw.

Catanzarite wouldn’t have it, though.

In the 85th minute, he scored a goal to solidify the victory for Cedarville, his speed and agility to thank. Each time Catanzarite has scored in this early season, his team has come away with a win. And with three under his belt, Catanzarite attributes his success to those outside of himself.

“We all want to honor God, but we’re doing it together,” Catanzarite said. “We’re very hard to play against, and I think that’s what we’re leaning on this year”. 

The men will continue to trust their teammates and play united this season, facing off next against division foe Thomas More on Saturday, September 20. With this thrilling win driving them forward, the men are now 3-0-2, looking to make their mark on the GMAC. 

Lauren Vargas is a sophomore biology student with a minor in Spanish and a sports writer for Cedars. She’s an avid weightlifter and loves watching movies in her free time.