Dan Jozwiak, Men's Soccer
Senior Dan Jozwiak scored only the fifth goal of the season for the men's soccer team on Saturday against Bates, but it was by far the biggest Jumbos goal of the season. Thus far, Tufts has had a rocky road, losing four and tying one of its first five contests. Having only played three NESCAC games before this weekend, the season was still very much salvageable if the Jumbos could pull off a win in Maine.
Tufts played a solid first 90 minutes, as both teams got unlucky with some very close shots. After the effort, the team was still tied at the end of regulation, forcing overtime in the NESCAC match. In just the fifth minute of overtime, freshman Naji Muakkassa fired a cross and hit the tall target of Jozwiak. At six foot four, the senior out-battled multiple Bates defenders to head the ball in and inject hope and renewed enthusiasm into the 2007 season.
Last year, Jozwiak was second on the team in points with 15 off of seven goals and one assist. The scoring threat had, before Saturday, been kept in check, but the team hopes that his vital first goal will turn the season around.
Kate Minnehan, Women's Soccer
Women's soccer goalkeeper Kate Minnehan capped an outstanding week Saturday afternoon in the Jumbos' 1-0 win over Bates. With the victory, the sophomore earned her fourth shutout of the season, and third in the last four games. Minnehan's play this week demonstrates why her team currently sits atop the NESCAC heading into the second half of the season.
Against Bates on Saturday, Minnehan stopped all six shots that came her way, including one that ricocheted off the crossbar and goal post. Last Tuesday, despite allowing one late goal off a corner kick, Minnehan came up big with four saves in the Jumbos' 4-1 triumph over Babson. Last Saturday, she was as solid as ever in the team's 1-0 shutout over Amherst, stopping each of the three shots that came her way in the second half.
Minnehan has allowed just two goals in seven games for Tufts this season. To add to her excellent play in goal, her teammates have consistently praised her for her leadership on the field. Players claim Minnehan is assertive in directing the defense, and is not afraid to instruct players how to better play their position. She is also a key factor in transferring the ball up field quickly and effectively.
