For the first time since 2022, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s soccer team walked off Fiskum Field on the losing end. The Warhawks fell 2-1 to the No. 7 Augsburg Auggies in their home opener Sept. 13, snapping a years-long unbeaten streak at home and handing the Warhawks their first loss of the season.
Whitewater is now 3-1 as a team, entering this match with three dominant wins under their belt, but a loss against one of the nation’s most elite programs.
A slow and quiet first half left them chasing to get back in the game. Augsburg maximized their scoring opportunities because of defensive miscues and nerves going into the game. This allowed Augsburg to rally two goals, setting them up nicely leading into the second half.
The Warhawks battled back with an improved second half looking more poised and controlled however they only managed to put one goal on the board before the clock ran out.
Head coach Tony Guinn didn’t hold back after the match.
“I’m disappointed we lost,” Guinn said. “We haven’t lost a game at home since 2022. I’ve got nothing positive to say, to be honest with you, that’s just the truth.”
Guinn emphasized the importance of his team showing composure and control to their advantage as they did better throughout their first three games prior to this one.
Despite Guinn’s disappointment, he acknowledged the strength of the opposition as one of the nation’s top ranked programs.
“We had an opportunity to beat a top seven team in the country, and we didn’t do it, we fell short,” Guinn said.
While Guinn kept his focus on the broader shortcomings of the match, Whitewater’s senior captain saw glimpses of progress and optimism in their second-half battle.
Senior Cooper Re, whose ball distribution and decision-making has anchored the attack this season, stated that their team’s nerves played a factor in their slow start.
“In the first half, we were reserved or even nervous, I would say, to be playing a top 10 team like Augsburg is,” Re said. “But in the second half, we kind of went out and played soccer like we know how to, because we all know we have a great team full of ballers who can play impressive soccer.”
Re added that the second half turnaround, when the Warhawks controlled possession, and created scoring opportunities was a positive takeaway. Staying hungry and getting after it even when falling behind on the scoreboard holds importance to this team.
“It gives us confidence, even resulting in a loss that we can play with the best,” Re said.
On the defensive end, senior center back Zeke Healy echoed the early jitters but highlighted the team’s response.
“As you get older the game slows down a lot,” Healy said. “I’ve seen it all from the best strikers in the country. Giving up those two goals hurts, but I knew the last thing we needed was to give up another one.”
Healy, who was challenged by coaches earlier this season to push higher into the attack, did just that, carrying the ball into midfield to open chances during the match.
“It’s really dangerous when a center back’s dribbling the ball into the opposing team because then somebody has to step on you,” Healy said. “However, it brings out a lot more opportunities for our attackers. That was something our assistant coaches pointed out to me, so I did that more in the second half.”
Healy was aware of the adjustments that were necessary to the team’s long-term success this season.
“Communication needs to be better; we also need to stay aggressive and know that we can win the ball off them as much as they win it off of us,” Healy said.
The Warhawks will look to regroup quickly, moving forward this season by taking on the Beloit College Buccaneers Sept. 16. Whitewater will look to bounce back and put together a complete game, being more aggressive and striving for another win.
