Getting the ball into the net has proven to be a frustrating experience for Oxford’s soccer players as they’ve been shut out in two consecutive games.
The Wildcats were shut out Sept. 22 by Brandon, 1-0 and then earlier by Fenton, 2-0 on Sept. 17. The consecutive shutouts put Oxford at 2-3 in Flint Metro League play and 2-8-2 overall.
The loss to Brandon was the Blackhawks? first win in six seasons against the Wildcats. A significant factor in the loss to Brandon was the limited play of senior Doug Kiracofe, who was injured midway through the first half and was only able to return as a substitute in the second half.
Both teams played great defense, but weren’t able to convert on their scoring opportunities, resulting in a scoreless game for most of the match. Finally, at the second half’s 16-minute mark, the ball took a strange bounce off the turf and skimmed over the shoulder of Wildcat goalkeeper Tim Bachner.
Coach John Thaler was optimistic despite the frustrating loss. ‘Tim was awesome in goal all night,? he said. ‘I’ve won numerous games this way and we were bound to have it happen to us at some point. Unfortunately, it came against the league leaders when the game should have ultimately been 0-0.?
Against Fenton, the Wildcats were blanked by the Tigers 2-0.
The Cats will get their chance for revenge when they host Fenton Oct. 4.
Playing at Fenton, the Wildcats faced a stubborn Tigers defense. Oxford was able to attempt shots, but Fenton found the net at the 15-minute mark in the first half to go up 1-0.
While the Wildcats continued to pressure, Fenton scored again on a quick breakaway by chipping the ball past Bachner to go up 2-0.
The Wildcats kept the pressure on in the second half, only to have three consecutive shots blocked by the Tiger goalkeeper.