Vanguard Drop Three Straight On the Road

Team drops to .500

- Walla Walla, WA (9/27/2003)

How quickly things can change.  Playing two of the same three teams that they defeated a week prior, Simpson dropped all three of their games on their Washington road trip and find themselves back at .500. 

In game one of their road trip, Walla Walla defeated the Vanguards 3-1.  This was the first game of the season that goalkeeper John Walker (Jr., Castro Valley, CA) had allowed a goal.  Besides the loss, the Vanguards also lost defensive player Adam Honzell (Sr., Manteca, CA), who was issued a red card for going over the top in trying to make a header. 

In Friday's game, the Vanguards took on CSU Maritime and would play the game without defensive specialist Honzell due to the red card from the day before.  The Vanguards would end up on the losing side of the 3-2 match, in what turned into be a very physical game that would see red cards issued on both sides.

On Saturday, Simpson would play their third game in three days and face Walla Walla Community College and play the game with two missing players due to suspension.  On top of that, half the team was playing banged up with injuries from playing two physical games in two days.  The hobbled Vanguards were defeated soundly 7-0 by the quicker opposition.

Coach Lee McKenzie stated, "It was a very disappointing trip, especially after losing two games against opponents we had already beaten earlier.  I was upset with our overall composure when the going got tough.  I think the team recognizes this and it will help us continue on."