The Goshen College men’s soccer team picked up 1-0 and 3-0 shutout wins in the past week while the women could not come out victorious in their Saturday defeat to Cornerstone University. All events were held at the John Ingold Athletic Complex.
TJ White’s penalty kick in the 59th minute was all that Goshen needed to defeat University of Saint Francis of Illnois 1-0 on Saturday. Both sides were square at 0-0 at halftime, but Goshen seemed off to a slow start allowing eight shots to their three. Goshen (6-2) was able to capitalize on a chance they had in the 59th minute. After a cross into the box was just out of reach of freshman forward Uriel Macias, he retrieved the ball before it went over the end line. He then jab-stepped towards the middle of the field before making a move for the end line and past the last defender. He was then taken down in the box as he tried putting a shot on net, and a penalty was awarded.TJ White, sophomore, stepped up to the penalty spot and smashed one past the goalkeeper for the game’s lone goal.
“We had a whole week to prepare for this, which looks like an advantage on paper,” said Goshen coach Arron Patrick. “But that often turns out to be tough. We used the week to get a few guys healthier and get back to basics in training, but we were lethargic all week and that translated into the first half. Saint Francis sat off us and allowed us easy build-up play but our offensive groupings were far too static.”
Johan Escalante, junior goalkeeper, made six saves in the match, improving the team’s non-conference home record to 5-0.
The women’s soccer team (3-3-1) was also in action on Saturday, and despite a 2-1 loss to Cornerstone, something quite unique happened in the match.
With their team trailing 2-0 after 56 minutes, head coach Scott Gloden pushed many outfield players forward in attempt to get a head on the ball.
First-year goalkeeper Katie Baer moved forward to take the free kick from 45 yards out. Baer blasted one that found the back of the net, giving Goshen their only goal in match. Baer became the first player since 2006 to score and keep a goal in the same season, let alone score while playing the position.
“I’m proud of the effort my team gave today,” said Gloden. “We are a bit thin and not used to the heat, but we competed well. Cornerstone is a good team that makes you work and punished us after a couple of bad mistakes. If we correct those, we win 1-0 and the story of the game is a great goal from Katie.”
The men hosted Indiana Institute of Technology on Tuesday and defeated the Warriors 3-0 in their final home non-conference match. Stuart Aeschliman, freshman, scored first on a strike from 35 yards out in the 11th minute. Goals by Macias and Ollie Smith in the 49th and 65th minute respectively set the final margin on the night.
They continue non-conference play on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. when they travel to Indiana University East. Their first conference match is set for 7:00 p.m. on September 30 when they host the University of Saint Francis.
The women will continue their non-conference schedule on Saturday as well when they hit the road to take on Rio Grande.