Road Win a Big Boost for Men's Soccer
October 06, 2009
The Taylor University men's soccer team added another conference victory to its record with a 3-2 win over the University of Saint Francis. The win moves the Trojans into a tie for second place in the league with a 3-1 record. They are 6-7 overall.
"It's tough to win on the road," head coach Gary Ross said, "especially in conference, but we did what we needed to do to get the win."
Both teams came out slow to cause a sloppy first half, but the Trojans moved the scoreboard early with a goal by Joel Ritz. The freshman's third goal of the season was assisted by Ian Perrotte.
Taylor took a 1-0 lead to intermission, just their fourth halftime lead of the season.
The offense picked up in the second stanza with both teams seeing several good opportunities. The Trojans were the fortunate ones netting two goals to extend the lead to 3-0.
Sophomore Tyler Beachler was the contributor on both counters pushing his league-leading total to 13. Kris Schonewill picked up his first assist of the season, and Perrotte dished his second helper of the game.
With 12 minutes to go in the match the fortune changed hands when a USF shot attempt caromed off the post and was poked in by the Cougars' Ryan Crawford cutting the lead to 3-1.
A Trojans defensive miscue with seven minutes to go led to a Saint Francis corner kick and their final threat of the game when Christian Zachrich connected on the counter.
Taylor continues league play on Saturday when it travels to unbeaten Bethel College. The Pilots are ranked 12th in the NAIA Men's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 and post a 3-0 MCC record and 10-0-1 overall. Game time is slated for 4 p.m.