Witnesses Say Peter McGlynn Shoved Ref After 2-1 Loss to UC Davis
Frustration turned into violence Sunday when UCSB suffered its third consecutive overtime defeat in men’s soccer at Harder Stadium. Gaucho defender Peter McGlynn was led off the field in handcuffs after he assaulted the referee at the conclusion of the match.
Peter McGlynn
UC Davis stuck a dagger into UCSB’s hopes of reaching the postseason when Matt Sheldon scored his second goal of the day, giving the Aggies a 2-1 victory before a crowd of 2,684. The Gauchos contended that their goalkeeper, Austin Mansker, was fouled as he tried to secure the ball before the goal was scored.
UCSB coach Tim Vom Steeg engaged the referee, Reed Christy, in an animated discussion on the field. McGlynn suddenly charged Christy and gave him a hard shove, according to witnesses, and the referee went toppling to the ground. He did not apparently suffer any injuries. McGlynn was restrained and arrested by campus police on the scene.
After losing three of their last four Big West Conference matches, the Gauchos were in a desperate, must-win situation Sunday. Their hopes were lifted when Achille Campion – a potent striker who had missed the last 10 games because of an ankle injury – scored in the first half to put them up 1-0. But the visiting Aggies tied the score with just three seconds remaining in the half. UCSB, which took 26 shots, missed several chances to retake the lead, and its inability to finish proved costly when Sheldon got two shots at a loose ball in overtime, scoring on a rebound the second time.
McGlynn, a senior from Skerries, Ireland, had received his second yellow card of the match two minutes before the deciding goal. Despite their disappointment, UCSB fans were disgusted by his attack on the referee. “A great example to our kids,” a parent said sarcastically while leaving the stadium.
The UCSB men had incurred a serious reputation for belligerence during the 2010 NCAA playoffs, when their altercation with the referee following a controversial defeat resulted in the suspensions of three players and a reprimand to Vom Steeg.
McGlynn acted alone in this case. “Vom Steeg told the players to stay away,” said Bob Brontsema, UCSB’s assistant athletic director in charge of events. But this latest episode is another black eye for one of school’s proudest sports programs. The Gauchos won the NCAA championship in 2006 and had made 10 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament, a streak that is almost certain to be history after Sunday’s setback.
Previous Month
Comments
No surprises here; Vom Steeg sets the tone.
Chester_Arthur_Burnett (anonymous profile)
October 29, 2012 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I happened to see this kind of behavior at a playoff game in Berkeley and I agree with Chester. Vom Steeg sets the tone by getting in the referee's face and the players just follow through. It is thuggish behavior and against everything we try to teach our children about sport. One of the most important life lessons provided by sport is how to lose with dignity and grace, even if you believe the game was not fairly called. This lesson really helps out later on when life hands you all sorts of unfair losses. It teaches you how to maintain your focus and put your attention on moving forward. Vom Steeg is not teaching his players perhaps the most important lesson they can learn from participating in sport.
Eckermann (anonymous profile)
October 29, 2012 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It doesn't sound as if he hurt the ref. The player should not have shoved him, but I hope he's not charged with anything too egregious. It's not as if he bit off a chunk of an ear or anything.
Lars (anonymous profile)
October 29, 2012 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While I find the "beautiful sport" to be the most corrupt sport in the world, too often marred by violence in Europe as well, I agree that the UCSB coach too often sets an improper tone. Eckermann's point about showing some grace, even if you get screwed, is dead on.
italiansurg (anonymous profile)
October 29, 2012 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"UCSB men had incurred a serious reputation for belligerence "
Oh NO I can see an extended "sensitivity training" dolled out by the Women's Center coming !
yendopostal (anonymous profile)
October 29, 2012 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand the team's frustration after having dominated virtually every game they've played this season with nothing to show for it, but instead of taking it out on the officials, the team should be asking why they need 25 shots to score a goal (if they score at all) while every opponent they play seems to score twice on 10 shots or fewer. Or why is it that the Gauchos seem to always have a defensive breakdown or a freak play lead to an opponent's goal in the final seconds (see Cal Poly, Davis)? While the talent on our team year in and year out is clear, at some point being "good" means these types of things don't happen.
And having two out of the last three seasons conclude with assaults on the refs is downright embarrassing. I just hope it doesn't lead to further sanctions or take a toll on recruiting.
jeretol (anonymous profile)
October 30, 2012 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)