Trojans Win, Maple Leafs Fall
October 14, 2009
The Taylor University men's soccer team defeated Goshen College 2-1 today recording the program's first win over the Maple Leafs in head coach Gary Ross's six-year tenure.
"This was definitely a big win for our program," Ross said.
The Maple Leafs entered the contest on a six-match win streak and ranked second in the Mid-Central College Conference standings. Taylor improves to 7-8 (4-2 MCC) on the season.
It was a defensive battle early, but Taylor's Tyler Beachler eluded two defenders in the 12th minute of action and connected on a shot from the right side to break the ice and give the Trojans a 1-0 lead.
Beachler has scored at least one goal in five consecutive games and ranks in the top five of the NAIA with 16 goals on the season.
Taylor sustained the 1-0 lead into the halftime break. The two teams combined for just 10 shot attempts in the first half and only three shots on goal, but the offenses picked up in the second stanza.
Goshen took control early in the second half attempting eight of the first 10 shots.
"I told the guys at halftime that Goshen is traditionally a very good second half team," Ross said, "and they proved me right again today. They played great in the second half and really made us work hard to hold the lead."
Not only did the Trojans hold the lead but they extended it to 2-0 when Joel Ritz spun past a Goshen defender in the 79th minute and scored his fifth goal of the season.
The celebration didn't last long for Taylor, though. Less than 20 seconds later Goshen's Juan Diaz De Leon found the back of the net and cut the lead to 2-1.
The two teams traded attacks for the final 10 minutes of action before Taylor escaped victorious.
"It was great to see our guys bounce back after a tough loss to Bethel last Saturday and beat a very good Goshen team today," Ross said. "One of the biggest things we'll take from this win is some confidence into the remainder of our schedule."
The remainder of the schedule includes two road games against Indiana Wesleyan at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Grace on Oct. 20.
The Trojans are vying to host one of four first round conference tournament matches and both remaining opponents sit in the top five of the conference standings.