It’s been a tough start for the men’s soccer team. They tied their first to games and lost the next two, giving them an 0-2-1 conference record, and a 0-2-2 overall record. They also have only scored one goal in those four games. 

On Aug. 31, the WolfPack finished tied for the second straight game. This time against Joliet Junior College. Both teams had four shots in the first half while the ‘Pack outshot Joliet 6-5 in the second half. While the WolfPack did outshoot Joliet they were didn’t record any shots on net, while Joliet was able to get four.

Freshman Sebastian Varela got the nod in net and played all 90 minutes. The keeper from Costa Rica made all four saves he faced, including an up close shot early in the game. Varela was strong in his first career start and was able to shut out Joliet. 

The third game of the season was against Triton College on September 4. This time the WolfPack would give up two goals to lose 2-0. The WolfPack was outshot 17-6 and could only muster one shot on goal by Ben Saric. 

Sohpomore Saxon LaFlash was back in net and played the full 90 minutes in the loss. He was able to stop four of the six shots he faced. 

Triton College dominated Madison College, with a record of 20-7-1.

The next game against Harper College on Sept. 7 would see Madison score its first goal, but in a loss 5-1. The loss put Madison College near the bottom of the conference. Only Milwaukee Area Technical College has a worse record at 0-2. 

The No. 9 ranked team showed why they’re ranked in the top 10 by out shoooting Madison 16-9, and 9-5 in shots on goal. 

LaFlash got the start but after giving up five goals, two in the first half and three in the second half, LaFlash was lifted for fellow sophomore keeper Msughter Abel Dzoho who would play the remaining 20 minutes. 

The WolfPack’s only goal came after the game was already decided on a penalty kick by freshman Pablo Guzman. With that being Madison’s first goal of the year, no player has any assists so far. 

Sophomore Jonas Luskey Sanders leads the team in shots in overall shots with 12, he is also the only player in double digit shots. Freshman Bobby Urey leads the team with shots on goal.

LaFlash has gotten most of the playing time in goal, and has a 3.95 goals against average. His strong play so far has been the highlight of the season so far.   

Next up for the WolfPack is a Wednesday game against Rock Valley College (3-2-1, 1-2) on Sept. 18 in Madison. Followed up by an out of conference game against Illinois Valley Community College on Sunday Sept. 22 in Madison.