Amidst their five game home stint and following record-breaking performances last weekend, Crusader soccer extended their success into Friday, winning both the women’s and men’s games versus Johnson & Wales University.
Heading into the weekend, the women’s team boasted a program-best conference record of 3-0, all shutouts, tied for first in conference. Similarly, the men’s team notched an exciting win in overtime versus Austin College last weekend.
On the women’s side, the Crusaders played a pristine game against Johnson & Wales on Friday. Alyssa Mencacci brought the first goal, her seventh this season. Assisted by Bridgette Alpar in the second half, Elisa Duran tallied the Crusader’s second goal.
Johnson & Wales was restricted to only two shots on the goal, both saved by goalie Olivia Severson.
“I’m incredibly pleased with the culture that our girls are building,” Coach Lexi Stinson said, “Every game, they’re fighting and giving their all.”
The women’s team continues their exciting streak, still unbeaten in conference play. They hope to continue dominating on Tuesday as they face a non-conference opponent, Southwestern Assemblies of God University.
On the men’s side, the Crusaders were victorious against Johnson & Wales on Friday as well.
Late in the second half, Chase Reynolds scored the first goal, assisted by Jose Martinez. The second half resulted in incredible back-and-forth action. Johnson & Wales snuck in two goals at the 51st and 61st minutes. Nat Kajiwara tied up the score at the 74th minute. The Crusaders sealed their success with a goal by Brady McNamara, assisted by Tomas DePetris, at 89:12.
“Coming from behind and then winning in the final minute made [the game] very exciting,” Men’s head coach David Hoffmann said.
Battling conference leaders Colorado College on Sunday, however, interrupted the men’s two game winning streak.
Colorado College managed two goals in the first half, causing the Crusaders to scramble to catch up. Carlos Trevino scored for Dallas late in the first half. The first half set the score for the remainder of the game, leading to a win for Colorado College. Goalie Caleb Strange tallied 11 saves.
Coach Hoffmann stated, “It was always going to be a tough match. A penalty kick awarded against us and coming up short on several 1v1 chances was the difference. I felt the boys played a game that was deserving of a point.”
Next, the UD men will gear up for a match against Centenary College this Friday.
