Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 10/24/02 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Sayaka Yagi

About a month ago, the Lakeland men's soccer team looked to be following Eminem and "cleaning out their closet." They started their first 11 games at 1-8-2, with injuries and a lack of scoring tearing the team apart. But since their loss to Maranatha Baptist, the Muskies have picked their game up and have gone 2-1-2 in their last five outings.

Three days after a disappointing loss to Maranatha to open the Lake Michigan Conference (LMC), Lakeland played host to Edgewood. In a hard-fought match, the Muskies got goals from Carmelo Teran and Gabe Vollmer both in the second half to take a 2-1 lead. Edgewood managed a goal in the 84th minute to send the game into overtime. In overtime the Muskies were strong but couldn't manage a score. In the game Lakeland out-shot the Eagles 20-9.

Vollmer was awarded LMC player of week for his fine play the last couple games. If he continues to play well, look for him to forego his senior year and suit up for the Milwaukee Wave.

Defending conference champs, Marian College, followed Edgewood. Lakeland drew first blood, scoring in the 29th minute, by scoring-machine Vollmer. It was his second goal in two games since returning from the injured reserve. In the 34th minute freshman Chad Koehler scored his first collegiate goal to make the game 2-0. Goalie Joe Silverburg was strong at the net allowing one goal with just 10 minutes remaining. The Muskies held on and ended Marian's 19-game winning streak in the LMC.

Two days later the Muskies came together and put out their biggest goal output of the season, winning 4-2 in a non-conference bout against Ripon. Junior Mike Smolinski and Koehler each had individual goals, while Steve Vollmer hit for two.

After dropping a game to Cardinal Stritch on British Open-like turf, the Muskies fired back into their LMC season with a game against Concordia. In a defensive battle Koehler scored his third goal in as many days off an assist from Steve Vollmer. Concordia tied the game with 11 minutes to go, and the score ended in a 1-1 tie.

The Muskies played at MSOE on Tuesday, and have home games Oct. 26 and 30th against Wisconsin Lutheran and Lawrence. Senior day will be against Wisconsin Lutheran.

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