Considering the colors of the opposing team, the Lawrence mascot, and the conditions and location of the game, there were obvious parallels between the men’s soccer team’s recent 2-1 loss to St. Norbert in frigid De Pere and Green Bay Packer dominance at Lambeau.Despite this far-fetched cross-sport hypothesis, there seemed to be something intangible that was curbing the Vikes’ success at Minahan Stadium – not unlike the advantage often seen by the Packers. This ethereal presence was represented by a 2-0 St. Norbert lead at halftime from unquestionably lucky goals and the inexplicable phenomenon of something going awry during all of the Vikings’ many amazing scoring chances.
Tables turned briefly in the second half when sophomore Brian Harks, with his perfectly manicured mullet flowing behind him like a golden cape of justice, flew horizontally to head a Rodrigo Gomes cross in for a score. Despite this beautiful strike, and the 15 minutes of frenzied Lawrence dominance thereafter, the game would end at this score of 2-1.
The playoff outlook for the team (3-2-1 MWC) is now quite complicated. To assure themselves a spot in the playoffs, the Vikes must win all three of their remaining games. Without doing so, they will need a positive goal differential and/or opponents’ losses.
All are encouraged to attend the games this Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. against Monmouth and Illinois College respectively. With any luck, these bouts will help the Vikings meet St. Norbert again in the playoffs, potentially back at their place.