Oct 24, 2009 | Box Score
Lamoni, IA-The tide of the season seems to be turning in the right direction for the men's soccer team. Earlier in the season, the Jackets weren't able to get over the hump in some close games and hit a mid season skid. That skid is no more. Tonight the shorthanded Jackets, after trailing 1-0 at halftime, got two second half goals in a 2-1 defeat of MidAmerica Nazarene. The win avenges last seasons 1-0 loss to the Pioneers in Olathe and sends the Jackets to 9-4 overall and 5-1 in the HAAC.
After an early MidAmerica goal in the first half, the Yellowjackets would head to the locker room facing a 1-0 deficit. The resolve of Graceland showed in the second half however. Eddie Edward (Ottawa, Ontario) scored on a beautiful breakaway in the 70th minute tying the contest at 1-1. From there, it appeared the game may head to overtime until Brian Loving (St. Joseph, Missouri) scored on a beautiful strike on a set piece outside of the eighteen, in the 89th minute. The goal sent the crowd and the team into a frenzy and solidified the 2-1 victory.
The Jackets got very strong play from midfielder Michael Triano (Overland Park, Kansas) and goalkeeper Gage Tubbs (Raytown, Missouri) who earned his first victory as the starting keeper on the season.
"We've been shorthanded all week from injuries and the flu bug," stated Coach Monroy following the win. "A game like this is a great team win and really sets a tone for the guys. I'm really proud of the resolve we showed tonight and I was really happy for Gage (Tubbs) and the energy he brought. We've won five straight now and we'll really focus on finishing the regular season strong," concluded Monroy.
Tonight's win sets up an exciting battle Tuesday night in Atchison, Kansas as the #1 team in the HAAC, the Benedictine Ravens, will host the #2 team in the conference, Graceland. The winner will hold sole possession of first place in the conference. Tuesday's contest is slated to begin 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
Want to receive instant updates on your favorite teams or all the Graceland scores via text message or email? Sign up for the Jackets new "E-Score" service by clicking the e-scores link on the home page or each teams individual page.
