Box Score

The Spalding University men's soccer team went on the road and beat Anderson University 2-0. A sluggish first half saw neither team find the score column, as the game entered halftime 0-0. After halftime the Golden Eagles came out and put the game away with two high quality goals. The Spalding attack in the second half was led by Aden Abdirahman's strong hold up play and his ability to draw multiple defenders allowing his teammates to find open space.
 
In the first half, chances were scarce as Spalding had trouble maintaining possession and the energy level was low. In the 24^th minute, Anderson had their best chance of the game off a spot kick from just outside of the box. A driven ball was sent towards goal only to be touched over the crossbar and out for a corner kick by a leaping Logan Spencer. Spalding had its best chance of the first half in the 31^st minute when Trevor Bruner, from the middle of the park, found Abdullahi Abdullahi isolated on the left wing. Abdullahi controlled the pass from Bruner, beat his man by cutting inside, and propelled a shot towards goal only to be denied by the goalkeeper. The game entered halftime scoreless.
 
At halftime, head coach Adam Boyer did not make any tactical changes or draw up any special plays. A simple message was sent to the team to raise the level of intensity. The Golden Eagles play in the second half suggested that Coach Boyer's halftime message was well received.
 
In the 48^th minute, Abdirahman began to exercise his strength on the Anderson backline. Abdullahi sent a ball towards the corner flag that was held up by Abdirahman. Defenders swarmed Abdirahman and his labor on the ball led to a corner kick. The ensuing corner kick was swung in by Joey Lesher and found a waiting Deron Buehner on the backside. Buehner's header went wide but confidence was beginning to build and the Golden Eagles could sense a goal coming.
 
Just a few moments later, in the 51^st minute, Spalding registered the first goal of the game. Jacob McMurry had the ball at his feet on the right side of the field. McMurry moved towards the center of the field, splitting two defenders on his way, and found a galloping Abdullahi with a well placed through-ball. Abdullahi's exceptional first touch got him around a defender and freed up space for him to launch a ball towards the far post that bent and dipped before slamming off the post and into the back of the net. Spalding had found the much-needed goal that would open up the game.
 
In the 75^th minute, Abdirahman almost put away the second goal of the game. The play began with Abdullahi holding the ball on the right flank. Colin Ratchford made a well-timed overlapping run that allowed him to receive the ball in space. Ratchford sent in a cross that found Abdirahman flying in on the back post. Abdirahman's diving header was saved by the goalkeeper.
 
In the 85^th minute Ratchford again found space with the ball down the right side of the field. Three touches later and the ball was in the back of the net putting the Golden Eagles up 2-0. Ratchford centered the ball to Bruner, who made a nifty one touch pass that split the defense allowing for Abdirahman to run onto the ball and put away an easy finish. Spalding was able to run out the remaining time on the clock and return home with a 2-0 victory.
 
Coach James Kusak spoke about the win after the game, "Overall I am pleased with the performance. We had a lot of individuals step up tonight and we will continue to need players to step up in big moments." Kusak continued, "We talk a lot about overcoming adversity. It was nice to see the boys adjust after a slow start to the game. From the start of the second half we came out and raised our level. We were able to capitalize on some really nice moments."   
 
Spencer earned the win in goal claiming his third clean sheet of the season. The Spalding defense has not allowed a goal in 221 minutes. The Golden Eagles are now 4-1-0 on the season.
 
The Spalding University men's soccer team returns to action on Saturday, September 13 at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM EST.    
 
Courtesy of Jeremy Baisch