The University of Dayton men’s soccer team split a pair of games at the Nike/Aaron Olitsky Memorial Classic tournament last weekend in Charleston, S.C.
On Friday, Aug. 31, the Flyers (3-1) completed a 3-2 upset of Furman University, ranked No. 22 in the National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association coaches’ poll. Dayton then fell to the host College of Charleston 1-0 on Sunday, Sept. 2.
In the weekend’s first match, sophomore forward Greg Enstone was the hero, scoring two of UD’s goals, his first goal coming in the 10th minute on a penalty kick.
Furman then tied it up in the 15th minute on a goal from senior midfielder and forward Coleton Henning.
UD regained the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the first half after a goal from junior midfielder Andres Acevedo, but Furman would tie the game once again on a goal in the 72nd minute from junior forward Martin Ontiveros.
The winning goal would then come from Enstone in the 87th minute on a cross from senior midfielder Daniel Berko. With the two goals, Enstone now has five in his UD career.
UD head coach Dennis Currier said it was great for the team to beat a top ranked opponent.
“It was great to get a win against such a storied program,” Currier said. “It was really exciting for the boys to get this victory.”
In the second game of the weekend, the defense for both teams stood out. UD freshman goalkeeper Chris Froschauer had eight saves, while Charleston junior goalkeeper Kees Heemskerk shutout the Flyers making seven saves.
The Flyers had no shortage of opportunities, totaling 17 shots on the day. The difference in the game was an 89th minute goal from senior midfielder and forward Francis Twohig, which put the Cougars on top for the 1-0 victory.
Junior defender John Howe said it was the little things that made the difference in the second game. He said on some of the goal scoring opportunities, all the Flyers needed was one extra pass to beat Charleston.
Howe, along with Berko and Enstone, were three of 11 players named to the all-tournament team.
All in all, Howe said he thought that it was a good overall trip for the team.
“It was a really good trip,” Howe said. “I felt like our team had really good chemistry, and it was a good lesson to lose a tough game. I know that our team will now put in the extra effort for our upcoming games.”
As for Currier, he said he was pleased with tournament as a whole.
“It was a good weekend.” Currier said. “We played some of the better teams in the country and got some good experience. Hopefully this carries into the next weekend so we can win the tournament at home.”
The Flyers return home for the Marriott Classic at Baujan Field. The first game is against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7. The Flyers close out the weekend with a match against Eastern Illinois University at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9.
