Six goals allowed in nine games. Four shutouts, including three straight leading into its weekend matchup with Penn. One loss all season. The Dartmouth men's soccer team's defense has posted outstanding numbers so far this season.
It will be the onerous task of the No. 15 Quakers (6-1-2, 2-0-0 Ivy) to break through the stalwart Dartmouth defense this Sunday, as they travel to Hanover, N.H., for a critical Ivy League tilt.
While Dartmouth (3-1-5, 1-0-1) has played stingy defense, it also has had trouble creating goals for itself, thus tying a school record five times thus far. Penn coach Rudy Fuller expects the Big Green to use its defense to create offensive opportunities.
"They're going to try and put us under a lot of pressure, force us into mistakes that create chances for them," Fuller said.
In order to claim a victory, Fuller said the Quakers will have to "move the ball extremely quickly. They are an outstanding defensive team, and very well organized."
By switching the ball from one side of the field to the other, Penn hopes to catch Dartmouth off balance and out of position. For Dartmouth, its defensive organization is key, and a quick switch of play offers Penn a chance to exploit the Big Green's defense.
Although the Quakers will focus on speedy switches, Penn defender Justin Estrada said they "definitely don't want to change too much. We're playing conservatively, going up in numbers and getting back in numbers."
In a game that features two teams with conservative defensive styles of play, free kicks and restarts could very well provide the difference in the match.
"In a tight game, restarts are always important. When two teams are very close and playing well, games are won or lost on a restart," Fuller said.
"We want to go there and score goals in the run of play. We feel confident; if we play well up there we can do that."
This game looks to be a defensive struggle, unlikely to be decided by more than one goal. While Dartmouth has not relinquished a goal in its last three games, Penn has allowed only one goal in its last five contests.
Particularly special has been the play of sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Cepero.
"Having Dan behind us is fantastic. He has a chance to be a big time keeper. He is playing with talent and confidence," Estrada said.
Cepero was similarly complimentary of Estrada and the rest of the backline that has only given up seven goals all year.
"The four backs have been phenomenal in making my life easier. Each one of them is playing well individually, and even better as a group," Cepero said.
Also on the line is Penn's early and slim lead atop the Ivy League standings. If Dartmouth wins, the Big Green will supplant the Quakers at the top position, whereas a Penn victory will put a little space between the nation's No. 15 team and the rest of the Ancient Eight.
