NEWBERRY, S.C.– The Flagler College men's soccer team bounced back from a 1-0 deficit in the first half to defeat Newberry College, 2-1, Thursday night in the season opener.
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The first 18 minutes of the match was a battle of possession, as both teams went scoreless. The Wolves put the first point on the board after Ethan Orozco's free kick slipped past Flagler's defensive wall, giving Newberry a 1-0 early lead.
""The character and attitude the players showed to come back and win the game was amazing," said interim head coach
Thomas Coombes. "It was a mature performance from a group who were all willing to sacrifice and work for one another. The team deserved this win and and we can't wait to go again on Saturday!"
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About 10 minutes later, Flagler advanced towards Newberry's goal as
Dan McGuire received a feed and dribbled past three defenders. McGuire pulled the Wolves' goalkeeper, Pablo Cubas, out of the goal and hit the back of the net to knot the game, 1-1.
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With under five minutes remaining in the first half,
George Winser took a free kick on the far-right side of the field where he launched a feed to
Jesse van Krimpen. Lunging towards the goal, van Krimpen knocked in the feed, scoring his first collegiate goal, to give the Saints a 2-1 lead.
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Flagler did not let up on its offensive pressure and took eight shots to Newberry's one in the second half. Both teams went scoreless in the final 45 minutes, securing Flagler's win in the season opener.
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The Saints held a clear advantage with 17 shots and six shots on goal, while Newberry had three shots, all of which were on goal. Flagler also had a 4-2 edge in corner kicks. Newberry's Cubas made four saves in the net while
Tirso Trueba made two saves in his first start with the Saints.
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Flagler is back on the road Saturday with a game at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, at 4 p.m.
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