GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Men's Soccer continues to find ways to win no matter the conditions on Friday against Oglethorpe University at home, 2-1. The Pirates have gone ten straight matches without a loss at 10-1-1 overall and 2-0-1 in the SAA.
Despite the NPI numerical rankings continuing to leave the Pirates outside of the national rankings, Southwestern continues to prove the doubters wrong with another gritty victory. The national coaches poll has also kept the Pirates at #13 nationally, but Southwestern continues to ignore the noise and wins games which is the goal at the end of the day. The squad failed to record the shutout, ending an eight-game streak of over 800 consecutive minutes without a goal conceded. But more importantly, the offense came alive with two first half goals and an undefeated SAA record.
The wind was howling on Friday night as the team attacking the south goal had the advantage. The Pirates wasted no time, using the wind with five shots in the first five minutes.
Daniel Sartorio scored an absolute screamer to open the scoring in the fifth minute. The midfield diced the Petrels as
Landon Guenther combined with
Danny Wasserman who dished it to Sartorio. The junior took a dribble and fired a rocket from 25 yards off the post and in with his weak foot.
The second goal was a matter of time as
Ross Anderson lined up for the free kick from half field. The Petrels keeper over ran the long ball and
Cooper Pero headed in the open goal behind the keeper. Pero continues to be one of the nation's top players leading the defense to nine clean sheets and a team-leading six goals. However, in the 41st minute the Petrels shocked the Pirates with a goal from 30 yards out past
TJ Bass. The goal occurred right before halftime for only the fifth goal allowed all season.
Both teams went scoreless in the second half to secure another Pirate win.
Quinn MacLeod,
Grey Richards, and Sartorio all provided chances but couldn't bury the insurance goal. Regardless, Southwestern wins and books a third straight season with double-digit wins.
GAME NOTES
- Pero matches his season-high of goals from last year of six.
- The senior has 16 for his career as a defender.
- Bass only had to reel in three saves on the night.
- The Pirates manufactured 24 shots opposed to the Petrels seven.
- Chase Johnson, Connor Gritzmacher, and Pero played all 90 minutes once again.
- Ross Anderson notched his sixth assist of the year.
UP NEXT
Southwestern hosts a big match on Sunday against Berry College at 1:30 p.m. in a 2025 SAA championship rematch.
