Men's Soccer Remains Perfect in IIAC After Win Over Loras
Oct 5, 2016
DUBUQUE, Iowa- The University of Dubuque men’s soccer team defeated Loras on Wednesday night in front of the largest crowd of the season by a score of 1-0. The win marked the first victory over the Duhawks in Spartans school history.
Wednesday’s battle was a fast paced, physical, back and forth struggle for both offenses. Both teams had several opportunities stifled in front of the goal, but no one would convert. Loras sent a couple balls off the post and crossbar, while UD had some fantastic looks with both goalies earning their keep in the net. Defenders out played both teams offense in a contest that lived up to the pre-game hype. UD’s Luis Gallardo stopped all five shots on goal by the Duhawks.
Finally, at the 87:30 mark, Gonzalo Hernadez Cascante was able to break free from Loras’ defense and punch the ball into the back of the net to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead, sending the Spartan faithful crazy. The Spartans defended the final 2:30 to give them their first win over Loras in their 20th match-up.
The Duhawks held a slim lead in shots 19-11 and in corner kicks 9-5. Both squads were about even in fouls, UD collected 18 while Loras committed 16. Sixteen Spartans saw action in the historic win while the Duhawks utilized 25 with just nine who had a shot in the loss.
"Tonight we have to credit the guys and this team," commented head coach Brad Johnson. "Hard work, they believe in themselves, they believe in us, they believe in our system, and we have fantastic results because of it. This group of guys shows up to work hard every day and play as a family, who has a great passion for the game. They play selfless throughout the 90 minutes and just enjoy being who we are as a team."
"We take every game one at a time. Tonight we are 1-0, we will take some lessons from this intense match and prepare for the next one against Simpson and in this conference it doesn't get any easier.” continued Johnson. This is a group of guys that are so motivated and love their teammates, and thrive for the competition. There really isn't that much I have to do to motivate them, they manage that themselves."
The Spartans are back home on Saturday against Simpson at 7:30 p.m.
