The successes for the men’s soccer team continued yet again last weekend with two more conference wins against Indiana University (IU) East and Ohio Christian University (OCU). Now boasting an overall record of 10-3, with a 5-1 conference record.

The Pioneers started their weekend last Thursday with a 4-1 win at IU East. Senior Alan Ramos and sophomore Roberto Whitley each walked away with a pair of goals.

Whitley started the scoring in the 11th minute and Ramos followed in the 20th. Whitley netted his second of the match at the 35th minute, ending the first half 3-0. IU East was able to break through for its only goal a little over 10 minutes into the second half. Ramos scored his second and final of the game in the 63rd minute giving Point Park the 4-1 victory.

Goalkeeper Ryan Daniels made three saves on four shots.

Heading to OCU, the Pioneers knew that the competition was only getting tougher. They were also without Whitley, who served a one-game suspension for tallying his eighth red card of the year against IU East.

“We want to focus on our own tasks and talents,” sophomore Wessel Rietveld said. “Soccer is a game of moments.”

Juan Somoza took the goaltending duties for the squad, making only two stops for a shutout victory. Ramos scored the lone goal of the game on a penalty kick in the first half, giving the Pioneers a 1-0 win.

The hardest challenges are yet to come for the men, however. They play host to West Virginia Tech and No. 5-ranked University of Rio Grande this Friday and Sunday.

“I believe that a five-game win streak going into the hardest weekend of our season has brought out the best in our team,” Daniels said. “We are a tight group and support each other as we face adversity head on.”

The penalty kick goal was also Ramos’ 10th goal of the season, leading the team.

“Of course I hope to keep scoring,” Ramos said. “These next two games are going to be a great challenge for our team, but I am feeling fit and confident which is really important when it comes to scoring.”

Going forward, the common consensus between the players is that this weekend is the toughest one of the season. Luckily the men are able to say they lead the River States Conference (RSC) in conference wins with five. They are also in a virtual tie for the top spot in the RSC with Rio Grande.

“We have nothing but respect for our next opponents; they are strong and fit,” Rietveld said. “But I think we have earned their respect in the meantime.”

The players are confident they can get the job done and finish the season strong. After this weekend, the last regular season match for the Pioneers comes the following week against a struggling Carlow University team.

“Our team spirit is really good,” said Rietveld. “We are helping each other and fighting for each other.”

The Pioneers have three games left in the regular season and all three are being played at Highmark Stadium. They start their challenge Friday against West Virginia Tech then host Rio Grande on Sunday.