Behind a trio of goals from freshmen, and another freshman turning in a stellar performance in goal, the STLCC men's soccer team walked away from Pete Sorber Field on Saturday with a 1-0 record to begin 2015.
The game was moved up from an original 10 am start by roughly 20 minutes in an attempt to beat the threatening weather that loomed to the west. Those efforts were largely relegated ineffective, however, as the two teams played through steady, and at times heavy, rain for nearly the entirety of the match.
The Archers were undeterred by the inclement weather, however, as they grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first half on the strength of the first collegiate goal by freshman forward Matt Schneider (Vianney). The Archers added a pair of second-half goals, by freshmen Adam DuTuit and Dillon Smith, to seal the win.
Freshman Nicklaus Bertich registered his first collegiate win and shutout in goal, turning away five MBU shots on goal.
The weather may have actually limited the Archers in some ways, according to head coach Tim Mosby, though the negative effects were minimal against Saturday's competition.
"When it gets wet, you have to make the decisions a little simpler," Mosby said. We're a better possession team and I think you have to be a little quicker and play the ball into the channels a little more," Mosby said.
Up next for the Archers is Jefferson College, who defeated STLCC 3-0 in the two teams' only meeting a year ago. For Mosby, the matchup with Jefferson represents a key early-season benchmark for deciphering where his young, yet talented team stands.
"That will be a good measuring stick, and they're ranked in the top 20 already. It's a great measuring stick for these guys from overseas to see what a top team looks like over here."