9-5-08: STERLING 5 - MACU 2

KAN and I attended the season-opening game at Sterling. It rained all the way on us from northern Oklahoma to near Sterling, but the weather was clear for the game and the sun even appeared off and on. Here is Sterling's game summary:

Warriors Cruise to 5-2 Win in Season Opener

09/05/2008-The Sterling men's soccer team kicked off the 2008 campaign in fine fashion with a 5-2 win over Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City, OK) in game one of the Mr. Tee Classic. The Warriors wasted no time getting on the board when Ryan Covey tucked a full volley just under the crossbar off of Mladen Bjelica's cross in the 3rd minute. Jorge Bueso got into the scoring action in the 20th minute off of Jordan Miller's throw in. Covey broke through for a second goal in the 25th minute (I. Sanabria assist) for a 3-0 lead. Covey's second goal tied him with former Sterling standout, Brandon Winn, for the top spot on the all-time goal scorers list with 39 career goals. Aaron Baker added a fourth goal for Sterling in the 37th minute, to give the Warriors a 4-0 half-time lead.

The Warriors didn't have quite the same offensive punch in the second half, coming up empty on a few good chances, but the Warriors found themselves defending much of the half while the Evangels continued to press. MACU forward Bryce Jantz was able to capitalize twice on mistakes made by Warrior defenders late in the game (65th and 89th minutes). Sterling freshman, Zdravko Gerganoff was able to notch his first goal in the 82nd minute.

Sterling coach David Underwood commented, "Obviously, I'm pleased with five goals, and a solid win, but we are a little disappointed with some mistakes in the back that resulted in two goals for MACU. We came out with great energy tonight, but we aren't as fit as we need to be to sustain that for 90 minutes".

Here is Mid America's summary of the game:

Men's Soccer Drop's First Game in the Mr. Tee Classic

9.5.08 - STERLING,KS- The Mid-America Christian University men's soccer team dropped their first match 5-2 to Sterling College in the Mr. Tee Classic on Friday evening.

The Warrior started strong by scoring in the third minute of play when Ryan Covey scored off a cross from Mladen Bjelica. The Evangels gave up the second goal in the 20th minute; Jorge Bueso scored off a throw in by Jordan Miller. Covey scored his second goal of the night in the 25th minute. In the 37th minute Aaron Baker scored a goal to give Sterling College a confident 4-0 lead at half time.

The Evangels regrouped at half time and came out fighting in the second half. Bryce Jantz put the Evangels on the board in the 65th minute after capitalizing on Sterling defensive errors. The Evangels pressed the Warrior's goal much of the second half. Zdravko Gerganoff scored Sterling's final goal of the night in the 82nd minute. Jantz scored a MACU goal in the 89th minute. Unfortunately, the Evangels ran out of time and the game finished 5-2.