Scots soccer blanks Roanoke, increases win streak to six
Oct. 5, 2016 – The Maryville College Men’s Soccer team improved to 10-2 on the season after a 4-0 defeat of Roanoke College (5-4-1). The Scots tallied their first goal of the night in the sixth minute when All-Conference senior midfielder Tim Baker slotted a ball into the stride of All-American player Caleb Lucas who beat a couple of defenders and rocketed a shot off the bottom of the crossbar and down into the goal, for his 15th goal of the season—leading the USA South Conference.
Baker recorded his eighth assist on the year. The Scots added another goal in the 17th minute off of a Baker corner kick. Baker’s cross was settled by Lucas who then laid off a pass to Freshman Johnny Rakhmonberdiev who sweetly struck a low left-footed volley into the back of the net.
The Scots controlled the first half with good possession and leading to efficient offensive attacks—scoring 2 goals on only 4 shots. Tim Baker and freshman Chris Fernandez anchored the Scots midfield—controlling possession and creating offensive attacks with quality, crisp passing and combination play.
Head Coach Pepe Fernandez has been forced to shuffle his defense around due to multiple injuries. But rooted by All-Conference senior Thomas Palmer, the Scots defense held Roanoke to only 6 shots all night, with only 2 on target. Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Jorgensen earned the clean sheet and the shutout was Maryville’s fourth of the year.
In the second half, the Scots offensive play would come alive and Maryville outshot the Maroons 9-2. In the 86th minute, Rakhmonberdiev headed a cross back into the penalty area where freshman Michael Quatrano settled the ball, turned, and slotted Maryville’s third goal into the side netting.
The goal was Quatrano’s third of the season. The assist from Rakhmonberdiev was his first of the season. The Scots would add a fourth goal in the 89th minute with a moment of brilliant skill from Tim Baker.
On a throw-in, Baker checked towards Fernandez who lofted the ball towards Baker. Baker flicked the ball past the Maroon defender with a cheeky, skillful right foot and turned over his left shoulder and ran around the defender.
After regaining possession, Baker dribbled along the byline and slotted a cross to Sophomore Bret Thomas who smashed the ball into the top shelf of the net. The goal would be Thomas’ third of the season. Baker tallied his ninth assist—leading the USA South.
The Scots return to USA South play on Friday, Oct. 14 to host Averett University. Maryville, 5-1 in USA South play, currently sits at the top of the USA South table above Averett University who is 5-2 in USA South play. The match could hold major significance for both teams, as the sides attempt to capture a USA South regular season title. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 pm.