Taylor Men's Soccer Downed by Marian
September 30, 2009
The Taylor University men's soccer team fell to Marian University 2-1 in their second Mid-Central College Conference match of the season.
The Trojans are now 4-7 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. The Knights improve to 2-8-1 (1-2).
It was a defensive battle with the two teams combining for just 19 shots in the match. Taylor took the offensive in the first half outshooting Marian 7-3, but the Knights proved to be more efficient. On Marian's first attempt of the afternoon Fabricio Lemus beat Taylor goalkeeper Josh Giuliano on the left side of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The strike came just 11 minutes into the game and stunned the Taylor crowd. However, sophomore Tyler Beachler responded for the Trojans 12 minutes later by heading a Joel Ritz cross to the back of the net to knot the score at 1-1.
Beachler's 10th goal of the year ties his 2008 season output with six regular season games remaining.
It appeared the match would accept a tie score going into the intermission, but with less than a minute to go Marian's Lance Lukens worked the left side of the net on a free kick for a 2-1 lead.
The change in momentum seemed to sink the Trojans as they mounted just two shots in the second stanza.
Giuliano posted three saves in 90 minutes of action, but the Marian defense controlled the game. Taylor could only muster one shot on goal.
The Trojans return to the pitch on Saturday vs. Huntington University. The 4 p.m. start is a part of Parents' Weekend festivities on the campus of Taylor University.