SEWANEE, TENNESSEE - Southwestern University Men's Soccer refused to have lay off the breaks with another gritty road victory at Sewanee on Sunday, 2-1. The Pirates know how to win clutch moments with eight wins decided by one goal as they have a defensive identity that has only once allowed multiple goals. The squad extends their unbeaten stretch to 13 games at 13-1-1 and 5-0-1 in the SAA.
The Pirates have officially clinched a spot in the SAA Tournament, but the squad has much higher hopes than simply being included. Southwestern sits alone at the top of the table at 16 points with Rhodes College and Trinity University tied with 14 points. The Pirates control their own destiny with two matches remaining against Millsaps College and Rhodes at home. The regular season title could potentially be clinched on Friday if the Pirates win and Rhodes and Trinity tie. However, two wins next weekend wins the regular season crown regardless.
Sunday's game was similar to the Berry College win in terms of where the goals were scored. Sewanee entered 11-3-2 overall but struggled in SAA play. The Pirates pounced on the Tigers early as
Grey Richards scored on a ball from
Danny Wasserman. Richards scores his team-leading eighth goal of the season. Three minutes later
Brady Faulkner put his body in the perfect spot on a cross from Wasserman. Richards tried the bicycle and missed as Faulkner picked up his second career goal. The two goal cushion at halftime was big for an elite defense but is always dangerous.
Moreover, Sewanee found the net in the 61st minute as only the fifth team to score on the Pirates defense. Instead of falling into the loss of momentum, the Pirates showed their toughness once again with timely tackles and clutch saves by
TJ Bass. However, the tackle of the match was
Chase Johnson's sliding effort in the box to secure the win with under two minutes.
GAME NOTES
- Southwestern manufactured 21 shots and nine shots on goal.
- The Pirates have unbelievable mental fortitude winning all eight contests decided by one goal.
- In fact, all five SAA wins have been by one goal.
- The defense has still only allowed seven goals this season as Richards registered his eighth goal scored this season.
- Southwestern's freshman played well today as both Oziel Lazano and Dante Guimaraes nearly scored.
- Danny Wasserman was incredible with assists on both goals.
- TJ Bass made timely saves with an 87% save rate this year.
UP NEXT
Southwestern looks to keep the mometum going with matches on Friday and Sunday at home against Millsaps and Rhodes.
