Trojans Top NCAA Div. II Saginaw Valley St.
September 16, 2009
The 2-5 start to the season could have been a discouragement to the Taylor University men's soccer team, but instead the early competition served as preparation for opponents to come. The Trojans defeated NCAA Division II Saginaw Valley State 2-1 today to improve their record to 3-5.
After opening the season with a win the Trojans dropped their next five consecutive contests. Three of those matches came against teams receiving recognition in the NAIA top 25 national polls, including No. 7 Notre Dame College (Ohio).
"We played those tough games early to prepare us for games later in the season," head coach Gary Ross said. "I told our guys that we played that level of competition and will find out that some [NCAA Div. II] teams are on a somewhat level playing field."
Ross praised the effort of Josh Giuliano who deferred several early opportunities from the Cardinals.
The Trojan offense rewarded the defensive stand when Ian Perrotte punched in the first goal of the game in the 32nd minute. It was the junior's fourth goal on the season.
Scoring first is an added advantage in a match, especially on the road, Ross acknowledged. "The next objective is to maintain that lead."
The Trojans took the 1-0 lead into the halftime break and added to that advantage just three minutes into the second half when Stephen Groves found the back of the net for his third goal of the season.
Twelve minutes later Saginaw Valley's Daniel Simm netted a ball from Bryan Winnega to cut the lead to 2-1.
Both teams had great opportunities to score late in the match, but neither capitalized. The Trojans were outshot 20-7 on the afternoon. Tyler Beachler and Perrotte each posted two shots on goal.
Ross insisted the win only provides more preparation for the remainder of the season. "This should give us great confidence going into conference play," he said.
Conference play kicks off on Tuesday for the Trojans who travel to Spring Arbor for a 4:30 p.m. start.