TU Celebrates Conference-Opening Win
UPLAND, Ind. – The TU men’s soccer team won its conference-opener against Mount Vernon Nazarene (5-3) by a score of 1-0, as Luke Holwerda locked in the match’s only goal.
As the crowd continually packed itself inside Turner Stadium, the Trojans steadily calmed the Cougar offense. While MNVU found itself with the ball throughout the match, Taylor refused to allow the Cougars to do anything with it. Taylor out-shot the Cougars 19 to five, one of which eventually found its way into the net.
After 65 minutes of scoreless play, the Trojans finally managed to break the Cougar defense. The sequence began with junior, Sawyer Watterson, attacking the left side of the net. In the face of two sliding defenders, Watterson sent a shot off the left post, which deflected eight yards out to senior, Luke Wolwarda, who buried the match’s first goal in the right pocket of the net.
Holwarda locked in his third goal of the year, while granting Watterson his second assist. With his third goal, the Illinois native is now tied with fellow senior, Quinn Partain, for the team-lead with eight points.
Freshman goalie, Sam Spiegel, continued to impress with his fourth win on the year, securing four saves against MNVU and lowering his season goals-against average to 0.64.
TU now boasts a record of 6-2, which is the team’s best start to a season since the historic 2011 season in which the Trojans went 19-2-1. 2011 also marks the last time Taylor men’s soccer beat Mount Vernon Nazarene, as tonight ended a 10-consecutive match winless streak against the Cougars. In addition, the Trojans have not won their conference-opener since taking down Bethel to open league play in 2014.
Taylor (6-2) will look to continue its strong start to the season on Wednesday, September 29, when the Trojans take on Huntington (6-4) inside Turner.
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