Bulldog Win Streak Now at 5 with Win Over Threshers

Photo by Jakob Komel

North Newton, Kan. – The McPherson College men's soccer team improved their current winning streak to five games with a 2-1 win on the road over the Bethel College Threshers.

The difference was Marcus Fernandes (Sr. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), who scored both of the Bulldog goals, securing the victory. He got things started just six minutes into the contest when he capitalized on a miscue by the Threshers, deep in their defensive third. The Threshers' left back tried to play a pass across the 18 yard box to a teammate, but Fernandes was there to steal the pass and then slot it past the keeper.

The Bulldog lead lasted just six minutes. In the 12^th minute, the Bulldogs returned the favor, turning the ball over to the Threshers in the midfield. The home team took advantage, knocking some passes around, leading them into the Bulldogs' defensive third. The Bulldogs missed an opportunity to clear the ball, opening up a shot opportunity for the Threshers. Jose Alonso (Sr. Wichita, Kan.), made a brilliant save on the initial shot, but was unable to get back to his line in time to stop the rebound shot.

After the intermission, the Bulldogs caught another break. In the 61^st minute, Carlos Reyna (Sr. Hutchinson, Kan.) was fouled from behind while inside the 18 yard box, and the Bulldogs were awarded a penalty kick. Fernandes was selected to take the pk, and as he has done twice before this season, he calmly stepped to the ball and found the back of the net to put the Bulldog up 2-1.

Both teams had a couple of good looks in the final 30 minute of action, but all of their actions were thwarted by either the opposing net minder, or by the goal frame itself. Alonso came away with three saves against the Threshers, and picked up his fourth win of the season.

"This was certainly an important win for us", remarked Bulldog head coach Doug Quint. "Bethel is a well coached side with a lot of young talent. We didn't particularly play well tonight and had to grind this one out. Now it's a short turn-around for us to get back and prepare for Tuesday's makeup."

With the win, the Bulldogs are now 5-1-1 on the season and 5-1 in KCAC play. As Coach Quint mentioned, the Bulldogs will be back in action at home on Tuesday, hosting the Tabor College Bluejays. It is a make-up game from September 12. Kickoff is slated for 8:00 pm at Paul Family Field.