On a hot and muggy day in northern Chicago, the Northland
men’s soccer team defeated Robert Morris Lake County by a final score of 2–1.
After controlling possession and creating several quality
opportunities, senior Daniel Doran put Northland on the board in the twenty-eighth
minute with a rip from twenty-five yards out. Northland was able to create
several more opportunities in the opening frame but were held off until the forty-third
minute when freshman Josh Conover put home Northland’s second goal of the
contest on a nicely delivered cross from fellow freshman Caleb Salsman.
The second half was a more evenly matched affair with
fatigue becoming a factor for both sides. Robert Morris was able to squeak the
ball into the net in the sixth-seventh minute to cut the deficit to one. Northland’s
defense was tested several more times, but they held true behind strong defensive
play from the senior, all-American sweeper, Paul Reece, who took charge late in the match. Coach Andrew Scott had this to say, “I am happy to have a win, but I was not thrilled with our play. We saw some good things in the first half, and we hope to develop those things so that we can play a solid ninety-minute game. This game was a step in the right direction, and I was happy to see our team dig deep and play through some harsh weather conditions.” Northland out-shot Robert Morris 13–3 with senior GK Dave Bartholomew collecting two saves.
The Pioneers record improves to 2–0 on the year
while Robert Morris falls to 0–1. Northland will look to improve upon that
record this weekend as they participate in the Warrior Cup this weekend at
Wisconsin Lutheran College. Northland first plays Carroll University at 3 p.m.
on Friday afternoon, followed by a 7 p.m. game on Saturday evening against host
Wisconsin Lutheran.