Stockton men’s soccer takes down #12 Widener 2-0

By sarahcipkins on October 9, 2023

On October 4, 2023, at home, at 7:00 p.m., a game that contained a lot of suspense and uncertainty vanished as Stockton University (5-2-4) maintained their composure the entire game to defeat #12 rated in the nation, Widener University (9-1) for Division lll in their first loss of the season by a 2-0 score.

Widener took a shocking 2-0 beat down within the first 5 min of the game as Stockton immediately pounced on the two chances they had on goal. The first goal was scored by freshman Ernst Louisius (#4) and assisted by Aiden Hoenisch (#7) off a give-and-go for a simple tap-in in the 2nd minute.

Louisius (#4) trying to turn the ball around a Widener defender. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Cipkins.

If Stockton’s opening goal wasn’t enough to stun highly ranked Widener, Stockton added an additional goal just two minutes later before the five-minute mark to put Stockton ahead 2-0. Jake Homowitz (#6) scored a volley shot off a header from Antonio Matos (8) on a corner kick for his first career goal.

From the start, Stockton’s defense had prevented the Wideners’ attack from getting past their defensive line. By executing superb tackles and working collaboratively as a team, the Ospreys were successfully stopping Widener from receiving the ball. Widener had a chance after a chipped cross, however, the ball missed the goal by hitting on the side post.

Once the second half started, the game progressed the same way as it did in the first half. Stockton controlled the ball and was able to keep Widener scoreless. Louisius had a chance in the 50th minute, off a solo run down the middle of the field.

Trimble (#2) creates space between him and a Widener defender. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Cipkins.

Freshman goalkeeper Brady Bartletta (#00) made two saves both in the second half and including a diving save in the 80th minute to keep Widener off the scoresheet.

Louisius was extremely active up top the entire game, controlling the ball out of the air, possessing impressive touches, and distributing passes to his teammates out wide in the attacking half. The remaining Ospreys played excellently and maintained their composure the entire game which led them to a 2-0 win against Widener University.

To stay up to date with Stockton Men’s Soccer, please check out the links below:
Stockton Men’s Soccer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stocktonmsoccer/

Stockton Ospreys Twitter: https://twitter.com/stocktonospreys
Stockton Athletics Website: https://stocktonathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer