Athletics Headlines: Men’s Soccer Opens Season with Victories Against Two Ranked Opponents

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August 28, 2006

Men’s Soccer Opens Season with Victories Against Two Ranked Opponents

The 21st ranked Spartans traveled to Hastings College (NB) this past weekend and defeated 23rd ranked Bellevue University 1-0 and the 6th ranked Hastings College 2-1. In the first game against Bellevue University MBU dominated possession of the ball but could only finish one of their chances. In the 59th minute senior midfielder Hernan Merino scored the only goal from a shot just outside the box. MBU defense held tight and Juan Villacres recorded his first shutout of the season.

Coach Embick had this to say about the opener “ We were okay today. Early in the first half we struggled to get a rhythm, but later we were able to create three great chances but were unable to finish any of them. The second half was a little better, Hernan Merino rescue us with a great shot. Overall we were not great and we were to sloppy and careless with the ball. In the end we got the victory and we have better soccer in us.”

The next night MBU played 6th ranked Hastings College. Hastings scored first in the 21st minute when Nick Vanous received the ball outside the box and took a couple of dribbles inside before drilling a shot in the far corner. Right before Half-time MBU created two quality chances. After a good build-up Missouri Baptist’s Lawrence Olum found himself wide open in the front of goal and passed the ball to Brock Chatman who could not reach it before it went out for a goal kick. A minute later found MBU’s Brock Chatman assisted a ball for Lawrence Olum whose shot from 14 yards out went wide. The second half started with Missouri Baptist coming out strong. Freshman forward Saul Bush scored his first goal of the season for Missouri Baptist after he headed the ball in from a corner kick in the 48th minute. MBU finished the come back in the 76th minute when Hernan Merino scored his second game-winner in as many nights when his shot from 24 yards out found the lower right hand corner. MBU is now 2-0 on the season and will play their next game at Baker University on Saturday September 2nd at 1:00pm.

I” thought in the first half we did not play very well and gave up a goal early. The second half I thought we played much better and took the game to Hastings and we were rewarded with two goals. To go on the road and defeat two ranked teams is a great accomplishment to start the season. I think we will only get better from here” said Coach Embick.