Men's Soccer Loses Thrilling Season Opener in Overtime

Simon Ghebru '08 scored in the first half to give Whittier College a 1-0 lead, but the Poets lost their season opener 2-1 in overtime against the visiting San Diego Christian College Hawks on September 31.

Ghebru's goal came in the 36th minute, when he found himself one-on-one with the San Diego Christian goalie and snuck the ball into the back of the net.  It was the only goal in the first half as the Poets went into the break with a one goal lead.  In the second half, the Hawks got their equalizer in the 67th minute, when Kai Werring finished from close range from a cross from Matt Wolters.  The score remained tied at the end of regulation, and just 46 seconds into the sudden-death overtime period, a Luke Shankula free kick found its way into the Poet goal to end the game.

Play was physical throughout the contest, as the teams combined for 15 fouls and one yellow card was given.  The Poets were out shot by the Hawks, 11-4 and Whittier goalkeeper Paul Stepler-Camp '10 made three saves.

The Poets are in action again on September 7th, when they travel to Colorado College to take on Willamette University at 7pm.