GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Men's Soccer fell to ten men late, but pulled off a stunning victory over the University of La Verne with an 82nd-minute goal, 1-0. The win improves the squad to 4-1 on the year.
Sunday's match marked the first time Southwestern has played the Leopards in program history. La Verne traveled from California for the match. The Leopards entered the game 2-0-2, following an impressive 1-1 draw over #2 nationally ranked Trinity University on Friday. The Pirates entered the matchup after back-to-back wins over #14 nationally ranked University of Lynchburg and Texas Lutheran University, who received national ranking votes at the start of the year.
The Pirates started the game firing, out shooting the Leopards 11-6. Goalkeeper
TJ Bass had two saves, facing two La Verne corner kicks. The half was extremely aggressive, with three yellow cards handed out before halftime. However, despite the struggle, neither team could secure an advantage.
The second half continued the back-and-forth affair with no team capitalizing on their opportunities. In the 70th minute, Bass made a miraculous save, leaping and blocking a shot from within the six-yard box.
Landon Guenther picked up a second yellow in the 80th minute, forcing a red card and limiting the Pirates to ten players for the remainder of the game. However, in the 83rd minute,
Brady Faulkner capitalized on a fast break opportunity, scoring and putting the Pirates up 1-0. Despite the red card, the Pirates defended well after the score, keeping La Verne away from any scoring opportunities.
GAME NOTES
- Faulkner's goal was his first in his collegiate career.
- The freshman has found himself in the starting lineup and earned his stripes
- The Pirates surrendered zero goals this weekend with two clean sheets.
- Bass secured four saves during the game.
- The Pirates have allowed 0.8 goals per game this season.
- Guenther will serve a one-game suspension this Friday following the red card.
UP NEXT
The Pirates host Nebraska Wesleyan this Friday at 7:00 pm at Varsity Field.
