The Webster University men's soccer team withstood the elements and a near-cancellation of the contest before prevailing 8-0 over Eureka College on October 29 at the Soccer Park. Senior Andy Rudroff (DeSmet Jesuit HS, STL) set a career single season high in goals as six players got in the scoring column.
Confusion reigned for a the second straight men's game as officials, coaches, school administrators, and the St. Louis Collegiate Athletic Conference commisioner Will Wolper, had an extended discussion of whether the game would be played.
A continuous downpour had shortened the preceeding Webster vs. Eureka women's game. Eureka head coach Randy Crady had no desire to play the men's contest in similar conditions. Since the outcome of the game would impact the final men's standings it was decided either the game would be played or Eureka would need to make a return trip to St. Louis. The former option prevailed.
During the period of discussion, the rainfall had ended and field conditions had improved slightly. The game got under way 45 minutes after its scheduled starting time with Webster scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes. Junior Mike Mantia (Webster Groves HS, STL) opened the scoring with his first goal of the season and Mike Politte (St. Francis Borgia HS, STL) made it 2-0 with his second.
Rudroff scored his sixth and seventh goals in succession, setting a personal season high. Brian Enger (JR, Mehlville HS, STL) made it 5-0 at the half. Freshman David Doggendorf (Oakvile HS, STL) scored the first goal of his career and junior Bryce Johnson (Basha HS, AZ) added his second and third of the season to complete the scoring. GK Pete Mothe (SR, Asociacion, Argentina) recorded his second win.
As more rain fell and lightning strikes lit up the sky, the game was also called at the 70-minute mark.
Almost lost amid the pre-game drama and weather was a ceremony honoring this year's seniors. Rudroff, Mothe, Kyle Gamache, Jimmy McDonnell, Mike Riti, Alfons Rama, Kyle Lewman, Aaron Belisle, and Matt Geringer were all cited for their careers as Gorloks.
Webster improved to 6-1 in the SLIAC and remained mathematically in the hunt for the conference title. A win at MacMurray College (IL) on October 31 and a Greenville College (IL) vs. Spalding University (KY) would give Webster the crown.
