The Red Raider men’s soccer team opened their 2020 season with a game against the Missouri Baptists University Spartans on 5.
The 3 p.m. start time provided warm temperatures and the chance for the Raiders to get off to a hot start. That was a chance the men’s soccer team took advantage of, defeating Missouri Baptist 3-0.
A solid defense was the name of the game for the Raiders, and three netted goals came spread throughout the game, giving the men a comfortable lead by full time.
The defense headed by goalkeeper Ezekiel Foltz, managed to turn down all attacks from the Spartans. Foltz scored saves on all eight shots the Spartans put on goal. The defense, along with quality offensive play, allowed for the Raiders to nearly double the sh
ot attempts of the Spartans, taking 19 to MBU’s 12.
Offensively, the Raiders were opportunistic with the chances they had to score. Both teams were close in their number of shots on goal, Northwestern having the slight advantage at 10-8. The difference being that three NW shots found the back of the net.
The first goal came at the 24-minute mark and off the leg of Josh Wingfield. It was assisted by Marco Alessio. Within 10 minutes, the Raiders netted their second goal as Phillippe Patri put one in off a pass from Juan Mackrey. The score of 2-0 held until half.
The final goal of the match came quickly in the second half the 53rd minute. This goal came off the head of Jake Foscalina. The assist coming from Matt Roll. The defense’s preservation of the 3-0 score allowed for coach Dan Swier to go to his bench in the later minutes o
f the game, giving many players quality experience on the field.
The men’s soccer team put themselves on track to success this Saturday with a win in their opening game against the Missouri Baptist Spartans. The team hopes to use this positive momentum as they go into the rest of their season. The Raider’s next contest comes September 12 when they visit the Dordt University Defenders in Sioux Center.
