Saturday, September 6, 2008

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.



Thursday, September 4, 2008

FIRST WEEKEND PREVIEW

I plan to attend Sterling's first two games at home in the "Mr. Tee Classic" against Mid America Christian University (of south Oklahoma City) on September 5th and against Southwestern Assemblies of God (of Waxahachie TX) on September 6th.

Mid America Christian has already played and lost three close matches. On 8/15, MACU lost to USAO in Chickasha OK, 3-2, in a pre-season exhibition. On 8/22, MACU was defeated by Lyon in Batesville AR, 2-1, in the first official game. And, on 9/3, MACU lost to Concordia University (TX) at home, 3-1. Here are the game summaries from MACU's web site:

Evangels Suffer Tough Loss in Season Opener

8.29.08 - BATESVILLE - The Evangel soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in their season opener against Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas on Friday afternoon.

Going into halftime the game was tied with no score. The second half was quiet until MACU freshman, Matin Maese scored an unassisted goal from 20 yards out in the 63rd minute to give the Evangels a 1-0 advantage.

The Evangels held the Scots for most of the second half. Lyon College junior, Greg Buford tied the game in the 82nd minute. Two minutes later the Scots took the lead when Buford assisted a goal by sophomore, Daniel Young in the 84th minute.

MACU goalkeeper Austin Custar had four saves on the day and the Evangels had eight shots on goal.


Evangels Drop Home Opener
8.3.08 - OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Mid-America Christian University men's soccer team dropped their home opener 3-1 to Concordia University Texas on Wednesday afternoon at Evangel Field.

The Evangels started out strong by taking the lead in the 6th minute with a goal by Kyle Pezant, assisted by Clint Paxton. In the first half MACU held the Tornadoes, only allowing them four shots on goal.

The Evangels had an unfortunate call against them in the 55th minute. Goalkeeper, Austin Custar was red carded after a collision in the box. The referee deemed it a foul and awarded Concordia a penalty kick. Junior defender, Matt Ross stepped in as goalkeeper for the remainder of the game. CUTX midfielder, Jay Shaffer capitalized on the penalty kick and tied the game 1-1.
In the 62nd minute the Tornado midfielder, Mitch Yates, found the back of the net to take the lead. Brain Friend scored Concordia's final goal of the afternoon in the 83rd minute.
Matt Ross had eight saves on the day after taking over the goalkeeping position.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University had an interesting preseason. To read about it, click here. SAGU has lost its only match, 1-0 in 2 overtimes, at home to Central Christian College. SAGU plays McPherson on 9/5 before travelling to Sterling for the game on 9/6. Here is SAGU's report on the CCC game.
SAGU 0, Central Christian 1 (2 OT)

Waxahachie, TX--When Head Soccer Coach Jeremy Tosaya asks his team to give more than 100%, he usually is not talking about the number of minutes in game, but in the Lions season opener, this was the case.

On a hot, hazy, and humid late August Saturday afternoon the SAGU Men’s Soccer found themselves tied with Central Christian College 0-0 after the first ninety minutes of regulation play.

Then the again found themselves tied after the first 100 minutes of play.

About five minutes in the second overtime, Central Christian finally was able to break the SAGU defense score the first and only goal of the game, taking the contest 1-0.

Ten Lions took the field, and ten walked off the field after a standing ovation from the SAGU faithful who endured the game.

Danny Martinez did managed three shots on goal while goalie Emilio Frias earned two saves.

The Lions will have the week to recover as they will head to Kansas for a game on Friday and Saturday.
After this weekend's games, Sterling should have some idea of the quality of future opponents, as they will play Concordia (NE), that beat MACU, on 9/10, and will play Central Christian (KS), that beat SAGU, on 9/17. Sterling will also play MACU again, on 9/13 in Oklahoma City.