On Sept. 7, the Tigers fell to Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, by a score of 2-0.
Despite the final result, Doane’s goalkeeper, senior Samuel Montanez, made six saves in the first half, keeping the game tied with no score. Graceland, however, maintained an aggressive offensive approach throughout the match, challenging Doane’s defense repeatedly.
During the second half, 60 minutes after the game began, Graceland managed to score due to the Tigers not being able to stop a pass, resulting in them getting ahead. For the next 20 minutes of the game, the Tigers fought hard to put the score in their favor, but with just 11 seconds left of the game, the Yellowjackets scored again, securing their victory.
Although Graceland won the match, Montanez delivered an amazing performance, ending the match with 15 saves, tying for the fourth-most in program history.
Reflecting on the match, Doane freshman Sebastian Cortés said, “We played well but there are still things we need to work on.”
According to Cortés, the team’s overall objective for this match was to improve their plays and better their communication skills in order to be a tougher competition and be better in future games. In that aspect, the Tigers were able to fulfill their goal.
Freshman Christian Chumba, another Doane player, pointed out some difficulties with the field conditions.
“The field was smaller, and it had natural grass with some irregularities on the ground,” Chumba said.
Chumba added that these factors slightly impacted their gameplay, as well as the heat in that area. Looking ahead, Doane’s next game will be on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Al Papik Field, where they will face the University of Jamestown.
