Light Blue lacks punch on offensive end

Despite netting the first goal in its match against Harvard, the Columbia men’s soccer team was unable to bring in a second tally in overtime play to claim victory against the league leader. The dynamic offense that had posted several close shots in the first half fell apart in the second, creating only one scoring opportunity for the rest of the game. Miscommunication between the offensive players ultimately cost the Lions the match, but the inability to capitalize on opportunities has been a persistent problem for the men’s soccer team.

In Saturday’s match, there were clear discrepancies between the two teams’ offenses. When the Lions gained possession of the ball early in the match, the offense was unable to run the ball towards Harvard’s box. Instead, Columbia relied more on corner kicks to set up its shots than on runs or team plays.

However, Harvard freshman Brian Rogers managed to even the score on a solo run into the Light Blue box—a feat the Lions have not been able to accomplish this season. Harvard’s game-winning goal was the result of a combined effort by three different Crimson players, each finding the next in open space.

While the Lions have tried such team plays, the forwards usually suffer from a lack of communication and awareness of each others’ positions. Throughout the season, the offense has played by moving the ball into the opponent’s end of the field only to find no one on the receiving end.

Though the Light Blue almost found the back of the net against Harvard on a team effort executed by Peppe Carotenuto, Bayo Adafin, and James Prince, the Crimson goalkeeper came up with a big save. However, in the majority of second-half play freshman forward Nick Scott was unable to connect with his teammates due to miscommunication. Since his arrival, Scott has become the backbone of the Columbia offense because of his remarkable ability to find space and serve dangerous balls.

Though junior forward Bayo Adafin has often been lauded as the team’s main attacking force—leading the team in goals and points—the Rochester, Minn., native spends the better part of games waiting for passes and opportunities than helping to create them. The lack of service to Scott certainly contributed to the Light Blue recording only one shot—a header off a cross from Scott that resulted in a goal—in the second half.

Despite the disappointing quality of the offensive attack, the Lions have improved greatly under new head coach Kevin Anderson, who took the reins almost a year ago. Last year, the Light Blue suffered an embarrassing 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Crimson, allowing spectators to see this year’s close 2-1 overtime loss as a great improvement. Additionally, the Lions have a current record of 4-11-1 and have lost most matches only by one goal, whereas they were 3-12-1 by this time last year.

However, the team was still shut out in six of its 11 losses this year. Columbia is definitely on the right track with a solid freshman class that will only be more experienced next season. What the Lions really need are dynamic forwards that can finish chances consistently and make the odds work for them.