Denison slays Goliath, takes NCAC title
The Big Red men's soccer team stuns the top-ranked team in the nation, heads to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006.
Mike Garabedian
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: Sports
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The Big Red, which entered the match as the second seed in the NCAC tournament, came into the match as enormous underdogs against the number one team in the nation, the Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops.
Cleary, the "underdog" label did not phase Denison.
The unintimidated Big Red gave the previously unbeaten Battling Bishops everything they could handle en route to a stunning 2-1 double-overtime victory.
The win gave Denison its second NCAC Tournament championship in the last four years.
The match was scoreless as the two teams left the field for halftime, but the Big Red finally put one into the back of the net two minutes into the second half when sophomore midfielder Preston Wagner blasted a 35-foot shot through the Ohio Wesleyan defense and into the upper right corner of the goal.
The Battling Bishops kept their composure, however, and were able to capitalize on a breakaway as junior Tyler Wall netted a chip shot past Denison senior goalkeeper Kevin Donahue in the 74th minute of the match.
After neither team scored during the remainder of regulation time, the match went to overtime.
"The boys were excited and optimistic when the game went into overtime," said Senior Midfielder Peter Shorten. "We knew that Ohio Wesleyan was beatable and overtime provided a few more minutes for us to prove that we deserved to win."
Denison kept up the intensity that they demonstrated throughout the match during the first overtime period, but although they threatened to score several times, they were unable to send a ball into the goal for the win.
Donahue was heroic in the first overtime period, making two spectacular saves that kept his team alive in the match. He finished the match with five saves.
Finally, the Big Red were able to produce some magic in the second overtime.
With 7:21 to play in the second overtime period, Shorten netted a golden goal that sent the Denison players, coaches and fans that made the trip to
Delaware into a frenzy.
"It was an indescribable feeling that we all had when Pete was able to score the game-winner," said junior defender Stefan Borowski. "We didn't really know what to do when it happened. We all just went crazy, immediately rushed out onto the field and tried to grab Pete. It was just amazing."
For Shorten, it was his seventh goal of the year, and by far the biggest of his great career at Denison.
"I've had a chance to think about the goal for a while now and I still have a hard time piecing it all together. I remember their defender heading the ball out and it coming directly to me. I chested it down and volleyed it in one motion, sending it into the top left corner. It was hands down the best goal that I have ever scored," Shorten said.
"It was one of those shots that I attempt every day at practice and never, ever make," said the Hudson, Ohio, native.
"The truth is I felt like Jim Valvano did after N.C. State won the National Championship in 1983," said Head Coach Rob Russo, referencing the reaction of Jim Valvano, former North Carolina State University's basketball coach, after his Wolfpack took home the national championship: a celebration that featured Valvano running around the basketball court, frantically searching for someone to hug.
"Your mind stops, you take in the moment, realize what just happened and then there is a rush that is unexplainable. You have to be there (as a spectator) and then it is magnified for the coaches and for the players it is further magnified," Russo said.
"Soccer is the only sport I know of that has the 'Golden Goal'. It creates tremendous anticipation and excitement. And when a goal is scored there is pandemonium. The atmosphere was electric. The players rushed the field. The fans went crazy. Everyone started cheering and then chanting the player's names. It was a moment of pure joy and celebration," Russo said.
For Shorten and the rest of the seniors on this 2009 squad, it will be their second appearance in the NCAA Tournament and second NCAC championship, the first coming in 2006 when they were freshman.
Shorten, who saw action in the 2006 NCAA Tournament match, a 2-0 loss to Case Western Reserve, thinks there are some differences between the two NCAA teams that he has been on.
"All the seniors feel incredibly fortunate that we've made it to the NCAA Tournament in our first and last years at Denison. As a freshman, I don't think I was mature enough to fully embrace the great opportunity that I had," Shorten said.
"This year is different because the players and coaches are a family characterized by mutual respect, work ethic and love. I couldn't imagine a better group of guys to share this experience with," said the 2008 second team All-NCAC selection.
"We feel very confident heading into the NCAAs," said Borowski. "We know our strengths and weaknesses, we are an experienced group of players, and now that we have beaten the best in the nation, we really do not fear anybody that we may match up against."
The win improved Denison's overall record in 2009 to 12-4-3, while Ohio Wesleyan's first loss of the season dropped them to 18-1-2.
The NCAA Tournament berth is the Big Red's third under Russo in his 11-year tenure at Denison. Aside from the 2006 appearance, the Big Red also advanced to the NCAAs in 2003.
Although the win is more than sweet for Shorten and the Big Red, they know that there is still a lot of work left to be done for the remainder of this magical 2009 season.
"We just need to continue to listen to the coaching staff and do our best to implement their advice and strategies," Shorten said. "All the coaches have provided unwavering support throughout the season, and the team trusts them implicitly. If we continue to play with passion, heart and unity, we'll be just fine. That's what has gotten us to this point, and we won't deviate from it."
After finishing the 2008 season with an overall record of 6-8-3, the 2009 campaign has been a season filled with excitement and joy.
Denison started the year 6-4-1 but they have rallied to win six out of their last eight matches (the two that they did not win ended in ties). The team has not lost since Ohio Wesleyan defeated them 2-0 on Oct. 10.
The 2009 Division III NCAA Tournament will begin on Nov. 12.
"Every player on this team has worked tremendously hard throughout this amazing season, so making it to the NCAA tournament testifies to our grit and determination. I'm really excited that we get to experience collegiate soccer at the national level. It's an unbelievable opportunity, and we couldn't be happier," Shorten concluded.
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