Trojan men fall in opener to Spring Arbor
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DEERFIELD, Ill. - After waiting nearly 10 months, the Trinity International Trojans had to hold off another 30 minutes due to a lightning delay, but eventually kicked off the 2014 men's soccer season Thursday, with a 2-1 loss to the Spring Arbor (Mich.) Cougars.
The Trojans (0-1) struggled to maintain possession in the early minutes on the soggy pitch, as Spring Arbor managed to outshoot TIU 9-3 in the first half. The visiting team struck early, as Cougar junior Stevenson Storm scored the season's first goal in the ninth minute, near the left side of the six-yard box.
Trinity got back on their feet and battled back in the second half, controlling more of the ball. Storm attacked again in the 58th minute, however, putting his team ahead 2-0 with a shot near the penalty spot.
Freshman forward Wes Ditchfield answered back just two minutes later. The Berkeley, Ill. native recorded his first collegiate goal with a powerful strike deep from the right side of the field, pulling his team back to within a single score.
TIU had a number of late chances for the equalizer but couldn't quite get another goal before running out of time.
Sophomore
Brad Stough made his debut in goal for the Trojans, making eight saves on the day, with four in each half of play.
One player from both sides received yellow cards in the closing ten minutes, with SAU's Cody Getsinger, and junior
Sean Tlapek for Trinity.
The loss also snaps a two-match win streak going back to last season, when the Trojans finished out the schedule with a pair of 1-0 victories.
Trinity International is back in action next Tuesday, August 26, when they hit the road to take on Bethel (Ind.) in Mishawaka, Ind. Kickoff against the Pilots is set for 7:00 p.m.
