September 1, 2009 | Box Score
Macomb, IL-The Graceland men's soccer team opened their season in dominating fashion on Tuesday afternoon. On the road in Macomb, Illinois, Graceland was facing their only NCAA Division I opponent of the season in the Western Illinois Leathernecks. The Jackets came out and made a resounding statement drilling the Leathernecks 4-0.
Graceland got on the board early in the contest as senior Diego Gonzalez (Brampton, Ontario) scored the first of his two goals in the 2nd minute of the game off of a nice assist from freshman Roger Thompson (Toronto, Ontario). The Jackets took a 1-0 lead into the locker room at half time and came out in the second half on fire. Graceland's second goal came in the 48th minute as newcomer Andre Sharpe (Kingston, Jamaica) drilled one off the post that found the back of the net and Diego Gonzalez got the assist. The 2-0 lead was plenty for Graceland but they would tack on two more goals in the contest as Gonzalez would score again in the 51st minute and Ian Christenson (Overland Park, KS) capped off the scoring with a goal in the 79th minute giving Graceland a dominate 4-0 win.
Along with Gonzalez, Sharpe and Thompson the Jackets got great play from many including seniors Carlos Ortiz (Bogota, Colombia), Brian Loving (St. Joseph, MO), Eddie Edward (Ottawa, Ontario) and sophomore Brady Blankenship (Glenwood, IA) . The entire Jacket defense shut down the Leatherneck attack on the afternoon.
"Today was a great collective effort from our team defense," stated an elated Coach Monroy following the win. "Our discipline was really the difference this afternoon. The team has gelled well early in the season. We've got some really good newcomers and some seasoned returners that have helped to mold us. I'm looking forward to a very exciting season but we've still got a long way to go," finished Monroy.
The Jackets will open play at home this Saturday evening against Bellevue University (Nebraska) at 7pm. Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of the men's soccer team and all of 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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