MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In its lone match of the week, the Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team picked up a 2-1 win in Memphis over Rhodes on Friday afternoon. The Bears scored two second-half goals to improve to 4-1 on the season, as they are currently on a three-game winning streak.
It did not take long for the Lynx to jump out in front, as the home team scored their lone goal of the contest in just the third minute to take a 1-0 lead. It was just one of three shots Rhodes was able to take in the first 45 minutes of action.
After playing through the rest of the first half with neither team able to find the back of the net, it was sophomore
Luca Violone who broke through for the Bears in the 52nd minute. WashU fired a free kick into the box, where first-year
Daniel Kochen, from the left side of the goal, passed it to Violone, who fired a goal to level the contest at 1-1.
Just over three minutes later at the start of the 56th minute, first-year
Sebastian Valdes found junior
James Whitehurst through two defenders, who then one-stepped and scored the game-winner past the goalkeeper who stepped up but could not stop the shot as the Bears took the 2-1 lead.
WashU maintained control for most of the remainder of the second half, but neither team could score the rest of the way as the Bears held on for the 2-1 win.
As a team, WashU led in shots 17-7 and had the lead in shots on goal at 9-3. The Bears also forced the pace of play in the offensive zone with six corner kicks to just two for the Lynx.
Both junior
Colin Link and senior
Ethan Wirtschafter fired three of the Bears' shots on goal.
Junior
Cal L'Hommedieu played all 90 minutes in goal, making a pair of saves. He improved to 4-1 on the season.
WashU is back on Francis Olympic Field on Tuesday, Sept. 16, when it hosts North Park in a mid-week contest. Game time with the Vikings is scheduled for 4 p.m.
--------------------------------------
Elevating scholar-champions requires resources beyond the institutional budget. Through the W Club, generous alumni, parents, and friends provide unrestricted support that is essential to the extraordinary WashU student-athlete experience—and the ongoing growth and development of the department. Annual support for Athletics allows the Bears to consistently rise to national levels of competition and ensures that our student-athletes enjoy exceptional opportunities as they train, compete, and lead. To make a gift to the Annual Fund for Athletics, please visit our secure online giving form or contact the Athletics Advancement Office at (314) 935-5279 or athletics@wustl.edu.
