The Mississippi University for Women men’s soccer team managed just 3 shots on goal Thursday in dropping a 6-1 decision to Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse in the opening game of pool play at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Soccer Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
All three Owls shots were taken by freshman Vini Lopes, who scored during the 79th minute to avert a shutout. The Bobcats unleashed 39 shots, 20 of them on goal, and Owls keeper David McCutchen registered 13 saves.
“Playing a team of the quality we played today, even though we lost, was a good measuring stick for our program,” The W coach Louis Alexander said. “If you want to be able to compete at a high level, you have to play top-quality teams. We did that today.”
The Owls (8-10) will play their second Pool B contest at 11:15 a.m. CST Saturday against No. 3 seed Paul Quinn College. Paul Quinn will play B&SC-S (9-0-1) on Friday in the other Pool B match.
Pedro Santana was credited with the assist on Lopes’ goal for the Owls, who trailed 2-0 at halftime.
Prep girls soccer
MSMS 8, Philadelphia 0: Lauren Rutherford registered a hat trick as the Blue Waves improved to 2-0 with an easy win Thursday at the Lowndes County Soccer Complex.
Madison Johnson added one goal with two assists, and Elena Eaton had one goal and one assist. Quinn Boerner, Zoe Damessous and Cali Orman each scored a goal.
Goalkeeper Blaire Diffrient had 4 saves, and goalkeeper Bri Waters had 1 save.
“It was great to have the three co-captains step up to combine for 5 goals and 3 assists,” MSMS coach Chuck Yarborough said. “We were able to get some less-experienced players quality playing time because of their early production, and I’m pleased how we are continuing to develop early in the season.”
Senior co-captain Madison Johnson was pleased with the team effort.
“I feel like we were playing well as a unit tonight,” she said. “We are quickly gelling as a team.”
“Everyone played hard and played together,” added Rutherford, another of the Blue Waves’ captains. “I’m proud of the hard work our team has put in, and it’s paying off.”
The Blue Waves soccer teams return to action Nov. 18 against Winona at the Lowndes County Soccer Complex.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.