ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University Men's Soccer team overcame the elements and the Swarthmore College Garnet to come away with a season opening 1-0 win on Tuesday night.
Although the Knights were pumped to start the new campaign, they were placed on the defensive to start off as Swarthmore carried much of the play, earning three corner kicks over the first 16 minutes. As the first half moved on, Neumann started to counter the Garnet attack. With just over six minutes until the break,
Harry Beugre broke into the box and was fouled by the goalkeeper, drawing a penalty kick. H. Beugre took the shot himself and pushed it to the left of the goal, but it was parried away by the Swarthmore goalie.
When the final whistle blew, sending the game into halftime, it was immediately announced that the game would go into a lightning delay. Almost two and a half hours later, the weather subsided and the game resumed. The extended halftime must have sparked something in the Knights locker room because they came out with tons of energy. Just 1:18 into the second half, it paid off. A cross from
Aaron Cochran landed at the feet of
Tony Huertero-Perez. After he settled into possession, he powered it in for the game's only goal. Neumann used that strike as momentum, carrying the play over the next 15 minutes. Slowly, the Garnet re-established themselves, but the Knights defense held them off to secure the victory.
H. Beugre led the Knights two shots, both of them on the frame. Although they were outshot by a 12-7 margin, Neumann was economical in placing three shots on goal.
Seiya Sato made a total of four saves, none bigger than a diving stop on a one-on-one chance in the 80
th minute.
Neumann (1-0) will return to action on Friday night when they host Regent University in another non-conference affair. Kick-off at the Turf Field is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
