McPHERSON, Kan. (macbulldogs.com) --- Senior forward
Nick Torres (McPherson, Kan. / McPherson HS) tallied a goal in the 29th minute off a cross from sophomore defender
Tyler Minney (Stewkley, England / Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School) to push the McPherson College men's soccer team to a 1-0 season-opening win over Mid-America Christian University at McPherson Stadium Saturday.
Torres led all players with six shots, including three in an early first-half flurry that preceded his goal. He finished with three shots on goal.
David Mwinga (Santa Rosa, Calif. / Santa Rosa JC) and
Chris Kelly (Glasgow, Scotland / St. Ambrose HS) each tallied two shots, including one on goal, as the Bulldogs outshot the Evangels, 13-9, in the contest.
The Evangels (0-2-0) were led by Juan Mendez, who finished with three shots overall including two on goal.
Senior
Aaron Parrott (Wichita, Kan. / Rose Hill HS) and junior
Arthur Lamparter (Schweinfurt, Germany / Walther-Rathenau Gymnasium) each played 45 minutes in goal for McPherson. Both finished with three saves. Jakob O'Meara-Gill made four saves and allowed just the one goal for MACU but was tagged with the loss.
"We played really well in the first 45 minutes and could have easily increased our lead," said head coach
Doug Quint. "We had a lot of possession and created nice chances but just didn't convert. In the second half, our shortened preseason really affected us. We had a lot of really tired legs and MACU really challenged us. I was pleased that our guys were able to play through their fatigue and focused to secure the W.
"On another note," Quint added, "it was certainly sweet seeing a four-year senior starter from McPherson score the first goal of the 2016 campaign."
McPherson (1-0-0), who edged Kansas Wesleyan for second place in the KCAC Preseason Coaches Poll, resumes nonconference play at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening when Central Christian College ventures across town to face the Bulldogs under the lights at McPherson Stadium.
