Soccer disappointed with worst start since '96

Soccer can be a cruel game. There is no other sport where the final score offers such a departure from the actual flow of the game. This fact is not lost on the Michigan women's soccer team, which found itself on the wrong end of these circumstances the last two weeks.

The Wolverines outplayed each of their last three opponents, yet walked off the field without a victory in two of the three games. They also struggled mightily for their lone win.

After opening the season with two dominating victories, elevating their national ranking to No. 15, the Wolverines began an ominous trend against Missouri. Michigan outshot the Tigers 14-11 and had four more corner kicks, yet was blown away 4-1.

MICHELLE SWELNIS/Daily After opening the season with two convincing victories, the Michigan soccer team heads into the Big Ten season 1-2 in its last three games.

The Wolverines squandered countless opportunities early in the game, and finished the half trailing 2-0. The Tigers never looked back, handing Michigan their first defeat of this season.

What took place in their next game was truly remarkable.

In front of a raucous crowd in the home opener at Michigan soccer field, the Wolverines sliced and diced their way through Arizona State to the tune of 30 shots. Midway through the first half the game should have been sewn up, yet Michigan led only 1-0.

The Wolverines then fell victim to an old soccer adage, if you don't score, you will be scored upon. The Sun Devils exploded for three goals in the last ten minutes of the half. Michigan hit the post three agonizing times in the second half, and fell 3-1 to Arizona State.

"When you only manage one goal off 30 shots, it's hard to win games" Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said.

The next game was against Utah, and even as the Wolverines snapped their two game losing streak, the disturbing pattern continued. Michigan outshot the Utes, 29-15, but rather than a walk in the park, Michigan escaped with a gut wrenching overtime victory.

The numbers are as astounding as they are frustrating. Michigan outshot its opponents 73-40 in the last three games, managing a 1-2 record. The Wolverines fired 118 shots to their opponent's 57, yet have a 3-2 record to show for it. Their worst start in three years.

"We're getting good looks," said Belkin. "We just have to concentrate on our finishing."

Belkin can take solace in the fact that her ace in the hole, Amber Berendowsky, played in only one game this year due to an ankle injury. If anyone can ignite this struggling offense, it is Berendowsky, the Wolverines' all-time leading scorer with 36 goals.

The Wolverines now head into Big Ten season, knowing full well that if they are to fulfill their preseason promise, the ball needs to find the net more often.

"The bottom line is we have to score more goals, if we expect to win any games" Belkin said.

Michigan junior goalie Clarissa Stewart notched her 20th career victory against the Utes. Stewart is the second Wolverine net minder to reach the 20-win plateau and now trails Jessica Jones by six wins on Michigan's all-time list.

While Amber Berendowsky garners much of the spotlight, junior Kacy Beitel continues to climb the scoring charts. Beitel's overtime winner against the Utes was her 21st career goal, moving her into fourth place all-time in the Michigan scoring list.

The Wolverines two losses this season mark the Wolverines earliest defeats since 1996. The Wolverines opened last year with five consecutive wins and in 1997, they were unbeaten through their first 10 games.

09-15-99