M. Soccer drops sixth straight

The spark the Penn men's soccer team was looking for to ignite its offense and turn its season around eluded the Quakers once again, as they lost yesterday 3-1 in Easton, Pa., facing Lafayette. The Quakers (2-6) have lost their last six games after defeating two strong teams, including defending Ivy League champion Harvard to start the season. Penn was hoping that a win against the struggling Leopards (3-7) would get them back on track in time for their upcoming Ivy League matchup against Cornell. Penn got off to a fast start and scored first, less than five minutes into the first half. Junior forward Steve Cohen was able to break free and send a cross from Brian Foote into the back of the net. The Quakers, whose shots have had trouble finding their way between the posts lately, were unable to maintain the momentum. Lafayette came roaring back less than two minutes later, scoring two goals in two minutes. Lafayette's Pat Link was able to finish a pass from teammate Nick Ross which split two Penn defenders. Before the Quakers' defense could even regain its composure, the Leopards struck again when Ross finished a long pass from Jake Ross for their second goal of the game. "It was a sloppy first half from both teams," Penn senior co-captain Brad Copeland said. Penn fought back but was unable to regain the lead. The Quakers had several scoring opportunities in the second half, but were unable to convert. "We struggled a lot in the first half," Copeland said. "There were 10 minutes in the end where we were stringing passes together really well. I don't think they ever even touched the ball." The Leopards slammed the door in the second half when Jeff O'Neill scored the third straight unanswered goal off a feed from Nick Ross for a 3-1 lead with just five minutes to play. So far this season, Penn's offense has had trouble finding much of a rhythm, scoring only eight goals in eight games. Despite their recent troubles, the Quakers have no doubts that they will be a contender for the Ivy League championship which is "wide open" according to Copeland. "We have to focus on one game at a time," Copeland said. "It is important not to let our record right now hurt our confidence." The Quakers know from past experience that their luck can change very quickly. Last year, after going 1-5, the Red and Blue won seven of their last nine games. Another performance like that would put them near the top of the league. With five games remaining against Ancient Eight teams, the Quakers are ready for the challenge. "We've been real streaky, but the season is by no means over," Copeland said. "We just have to focus on playing hard at the beginning of the game."