Trojan Soccer Scores Win in Season Opener
August 22, 2009
The Taylor University men's soccer team recorded a 3-2 win in its season opener against Indiana Tech, led by sophomore Tyler Beachler's two goals.
Beachler's first goal in the 36th minute of action gave the Trojans a 1-0 lead and accomplished the first of two team objectives, according to head coach Gary Ross.
"We have two goals going into the game," Ross said. "We want to score first and then not lose that lead when we get it."
In response to the challenge the Trojans stayed on the offensive. Less than three minutes later freshman Joel Ritz turned the tables on a Warriors attack and broke free into open field. Ritz gave the ball up to Beachler who evaded the goalkeeper and took a shot on the open net.
Beachler's shot was illegally deflected by R.J. Rueckert, who received a red card for the hand ball, and Trojans junior Ian Perrotte capitalized on the awarded penalty kick to give Taylor a 2-0 lead.
Playing a man down didn't slow the Warriors, however. In the 72nd minute of action Sam Terman found the back of the net to pull Indiana Tech within one, 2-1.
The Trojans responded just two minutes later when Beachler scored on Taylor's second penalty kick of the game.
The Warriors gave one final scare with a Stu Thornton goal in the 80th minute, but it wasn't enough as the Trojans walked away with their first victory of the season.
"I was encouraged to see us overcome some adversity," Ross said, "and win despite having some guys playing out of position and more minutes than usual."
Goalkeeper Josh Giuliano recorded the win with six saves.
The Trojans play host to 7th-ranked Notre Dame College on August 28 at 4 p.m.