September 22, 2008 | Box Score
Parkville, MO-The men's soccer team had been on a nice run of late and was really looking forward to their annual non-conference matchup against Park University. The Pirates, ranked #9 in the latest NAIA poll, would prove to be too much for the Jackets as they scored four second half goals en-route to their 4-2 win.
The scoring got started early by the Jackets as junior newcomer Jeffrey Darkwah (Brampton, Ontario) scored in the 36th minute giving Graceland the early lead. Only a minute and a half later the Jackets would tack on their second goal as Ian Christianson (Blue Springs, MO) scored off of a free kick giving Graceland what would looked like a comfortable 2-0 lead. The second half would bring big changes however. Park would score four times in the half running away with a convincing 4-2 win. Not only did the half bring much scoring from the Pirates, but Graceland lost all-american goalie Carlos Ortiz (Bogota, Colombia) to a lost contact and junior forward Diego Gonzalez to a red card; the second straight game the Jackets have had to play part of the game a man down.
"It was a tale of two halves for us and the second half wasn't the good one," exclaimed Coach Monroy following the loss. "Park is an exceptional opponent and we just couldn't put this game away. The bottom line is the conference season stands before us now and we've got to come prepared to play. Saturday against Central Methodist will be a very difficult test," concluded Coach Monroy.
The Jackets now stand at 3-3 overall and open conference play this Saturday against the Central Methodist Eagles. The game is set to begin at 3pm at the Rasmussen Sports Complex. Stay in tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing updates on the Graceland men's soccer team and all Jacket athletics.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
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