Soccer Downed by No. 23 McKendree
August 29, 2009
The Taylor University men's soccer team dropped its second game of the season today, falling to No. 23 McKendree University 3-1.
It was the second nationally ranked team the Trojans (1-2) have faced in as many days. Taylor fell yesterday to No. 7 Notre Dame College.
Saturday's game took an unfortunate turn of events in the 28th minute when junior Ian Perrotte was red carded for an illegal attack on the ball from behind. The Trojans played short-handed for the remainder of the contest and the Bearcats took advantage with their first goal in the 34th minute.
"Our objective was to play harder and quicker today," head coach Gary Ross said. "It's tough to beat a team a man down, but Ian got the red card being aggressive. You can't fault him for that."
Less than two minutes into the second half the Bearcats scored their second goal on an Aaron Streid header. Max Stainmez put the game out of reach with McKendree's third goal of the game in the 59th minute.
With less than 25 minutes to go, Taylor showed some promise with a goal by Joel Pincomb. Shooting from 30 yards out, the junior's boot skipped passed McKendree's keeper for his first goal of the season.
However, it was the last serious threat the Trojans made.
"You're never happy with a loss, but overall I'm proud of our guys' effort today," Ross said. "I thought we showed we can play with a nationally ranked team today."
Josh Giuliano played all 90 minutes in net for the Trojans and saved five shots.
For the second consecutive game the Trojans were significantly outshot. McKendree posted 23 shots to the Trojans' 9.
The Trojans kick off a six-game road stretch on Wednesday, September 2 when they travel to Georgetown College. They return home on September 25 at 4 p.m. against St. Francis (Ill.)