The first loss of the 2008 season was a heartbreaker for the varsity Ghosts’ soccer team, but they made up for it with a shutout win later in the week.

On Sept. 23, the Grey Ghosts took on conference rival Sterling at home and experienced their first loss of the season, which pushed them to second place in the conference.

IVC jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the first half off two goals by forward Alex Bernardi. 

Bernardi was assisted on the first goal by midfielder Matt Welch and midfielder Alex Olivera on the second goal.

Sterling added one goal in the first half to cut the Ghosts’ lead in half.

In the second half, all the scoring was done by Sterling, adding three goals to give them a 4-2 victory over IVC.

The Ghost offense could not find the net in the second half, and their defense could not hold off the offense of Sterling.

Goalkeeper Nolan Wilson had eight saves for the game, as the Sterling offense seemed to be relentless at times.

“The game was very disappointing,” said head coach Pat Sell. “We came out flat and showed very little urgency to win. In the end, the team that came prepared won the game and took first place in the conference.”

On Saturday, the Ghosts atoned for their loss with a shutout home win over Woodruff.

The Ghosts got their first of many goals for the game off a Chris Olivera penalty kick.

The Ghosts continued their offensive onslaught with an unassisted goal by Chris Olivera, a goal by Braden McIntyre off a Bryce Ashley assist and two more by Chris Olivera, both unassisted.

The Ghosts offense did not slow down coming into the second half, scoring three more goals.

The first goal of the second half was scored unassisted by Will Carruthers.

Marty Heredia then put the ball into the Woodruff net off an Alex Olivera assist.

Bernardi then scored the last goal for the Ghosts off a McIntyre assist.

Not only was the Ghosts’ offense unstoppable for the game, the defense stepped up and answered the call.

Woodruff only took two shots, and both of those were blocked by Wilson.

“After a tough game on Tuesday, the guys came out ready to play and took care of business,” Sell said.

The Ghosts are now 7-1-4 overall and 2-1 in North Central Illinois-Lincoln Division Conference play.

The Ghosts played last night at Princeton. Their next game is against Peoria Christian at 6 p.m. Friday at home.