10/27/2007
Men's Soccer Earns First-Ever Win over Wheaton College, 1-0

WORCESTER, MASS. 10/27/07 - Preben Gietz (Waterloo, Belgium) first goal of the season came at the perfect time. The sophomore defender’s marker just over six minutes into the contest stood up as the game-winner as Clark University upset regionally ranked Wheaton College in New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) men’s soccer action on Senior Day Saturday at Granger Field.

The victory marks the first time Clark (6-4-6, 3-2-1 NEWMAC) has beaten Wheaton since joining the NEWMAC in the 1994-95 season. Wheaton, which suffered its first conference loss this season, falls to 10-6-3 (4-1-1 NEWMAC).

"We did the things that we talked about doing this week," said head coach David Kulik. "We created good scoring chances and we were more thoughtful in terms of paying attention to the detail. Obviously, for the seniors and for the program, it was a great way to end the regular season."

Clark, which held a 6-4 first half edge in shots, had an early opportunity to get on the board when Marc Labbe’s (Waterville, Me.) header clanged off the left post just 3:17 into the game. The Cougars took a 1-0 lead after David Blum (Irvington, N.Y.) bent an indirect kick towards the goal, where Gietz lunged and headed it into the far right corner for the eventual game-winner. With the assist, Blum became Clark’s all-time points leader with 38 goals, 11 assists and 87 points.

"David was key today," said Kulik. "He really executed his set pieces, not only in the goal that Preben (Gietz) scored, but in terms of placing balls into dangerous spots every time. His execution gave us confidence early in the game."

Clark had a pair of solid chances to increase the lead off drives from senior Joe Silva (Westbury, N.Y.) and Blum, but a diving save and a punch over the crossbar, respectively, by Lyons keeper Cole Davidson (Needham, Mass.) preserved the one-goal game.

Trailing 1-0 at the intermission, Wheaton attacked the goal early in the second half. The Lyons got consecutive bids from freshman Jake Wagner (Sudbury, Mass.) and senior Reed Hollett (Bedford, Nova Scotia) within a one minute span. Wagner’s bid rolled just wide of the left post in the 49th minute and Dean Hollands (Scituate, R.I.) set up Hollett, who headed the ball far right just a minute later.

Clark had a great chance to extend its lead when freshman Kyle Klapp (Schenectady, N.Y.) sprinted down the right side alone, but Davidson came out of the goal for a close range save in the 61st minute.

Clark held the Lyons at bay for the remainder of the frame. Cougar goalie Peter Wise (Providence, R.I.) was tested, but came out unscathed with a pair of spectacular diving saves on Josh Solomon’s (Acton, Mass.) attempt in the 71st minute and Trevor Cote’s (Portsmouth, R.I.) bid with just under four minutes remaining.

Wise made five saves in goal for Clark. Davidson turned aside six shots for Wheaton.

Clark was outshot by Wheaton, 11-9, but held a 6-1 margin in corner kicks.

"Today was about getting a home game in the tournament for our seniors," Kulik said. "If we can create chances like we did today, I’m optimistic that we will be playing until next weekend."

Prior to today’s game, senior David Blum, Joe Silva, Lino Goncalves (Newton, Mass.) and Marc Labbe were recognized for playing in their final regular season contest.

Clark secured the fourth seed in the in the upcoming NEWMAC Tournament and will host fifth-seed MIT on Wednesday (6 p.m.). Wheaton earned the top seed and receives a bye in the first round.

"I like that we are at home, that we are healthier than we’ve been and that we are going into the tournament with some confidence," Kulik added. "It’s one game at a time now."