In the world of athletics, it is almost impossible for any team or player to find the path to success without taking a few knocks along the way. For the men's soccer team, it must hope that the first few games have been just a few slip-ups and not an indication of the rest of the season.

The first loss came in Connecticut at the hands of a tough Wesleyan team who, in the final minute, scored the game's only goal.

The loss was especially disappointing considering the rivalry that has emerged between the two teams over the past few seasons.

Bowdoin looked strong throughout the game, but they could do nothing more than find the post, twice, in the 1-0 loss.

As hard as last Saturday's loss was to deal with, things only got harder Wednesday night after the Polar Bears suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Southern Maine.

"We need to work harder and match our opponents physically," co-captain Dominic Fitzpatrick '09 said.

"We need to find tough, hard-nosed players to come in and give us a lift because so far this season we're lacking determination and desire," he added.

The loss to the Southern Maine Huskies was particularly frustrating because it seemed like a winnable game.

Unfortunately the team could not convert its chances into goals, a factor which has been alarmingly recurrent this early in the year.

Fitzpatrick is not worried about the lack of goals.

"If we work harder the goals will come," he said. "They always do."

The Polar Bears will have the daunting task of trying to redeem themselves against a perennial NESCAC powerhouse, Williams, this weekend.

Once again, the Ephs are amongst the favorites in the conference and will be looking to come out strong in their first home game of the season.

"[We can win if] we regain focus," Fitzpatrick said. "We need to learn from the loss but forget about it at the same time, All we can do is look forward and take it one game at a time."