Henry Schneiderman
Sports Editor
The Fighting Scots men’s soccer team traveled to Columbus, Ohio last week to face off against Denison in a remarkable showdown. Players around the world fantasize about the prospect of playing on a professional pitch and on Tuesday, Oct. 24, this dream became a reality for the Scots as they competed in the Historic Crew Stadium, the former home of Ohio’s own Columbus Crew. Elliot Miller ’26 was awe-struck to be playing in the stadium. “It’s every kid’s dream to play in an environment like that,” Miller said, “so it was just surreal to get that opportunity.” As the players stepped foot on the pitch, the crowd composed of fans and alumni alike exploded in cheer for both teams — solidifying the night as an unforgettable experience.
The first half saw the Scots engaged in a deadlock with the Big Red, as each team delivered hard-fought performances that left the match scoreless. That’s not to say the first half was devoid of action; in fact, Wooster found themselves frequently on the defensive line throughout the first 45 minutes, as Denison controlled possession and outshot Wooster 8-1. The Scots amassed two corner kicks in the first half but failed to capitalize on either. Peter Kalitka ’27 highlighted the efforts of Wooster’s defense, “In order to win the game, the team had to defensively lock in against a very talented Denison side” he stated, “communicating through it all, we used our individual defensive IQ to form an impenetrable defensive block.”
Coming out of the half, the Scots developed an insatiable thirst for victory as they began a series of offensive assaults on Denison’s back line. In the 57th minute, Wooster led a counter attack that saw the ball efficiently played up the pitch, then kicked out to Tokada Zuehlke ’24, who made an incredible run up the wing before providing a masterful cross to Elliot Miller ’26 who broke the deadlock with a remarkable header into the back of the net. “It was a beautiful team goal,” Miller reflected, “we all valued possession of the ball offensively, allowing us to get our goal — Takoda played me a perfect cross and I had the easy part with a free header.” This goal would serve as Miller’s third of the year and Zuehlke’s first assist this season.
Even with this morale boost, the game was far from over as Denison laid an onslaught of shots against the Scots, outshooting Wooster 19-4. These efforts were thwarted, however, both by the efforts of Wooster’s defense and by a remarkable showing from goalkeeper Gabriel Thomas ’24 who recorded five saves including a pair of blocks in the final minutes that helped secure a Fighting Scots victory. This match served as Thomas’ fourth shutout of the season.
By the night’s end, Wooster came out on top with a score of 1-0, solidifying their first win against the Big Red since 2018. This result placed Wooster in the upper quarter of the NCAC standings and caps off an incredibly successful season.
The Fighting Scots concluded their season this past weekend with six wins and an optimistic outlook for next fall. Congratulations on a successful season!
