Trojans’ Valiant Effort Not Enough to Get by Undefeated Cougars

UPLAND, Ind. – The Taylor men's soccer team was defeated by Saint Xavier (2-0-3) 1-0 on Wednesday evening at Turner Stadium.

With a lightning delay announced just prior to kickoff, the game started 37 minutes after its 5 p.m. scheduled time. That did not stop the unbeaten Cougars from coming out of the gates hot, as they scored the eventual game-winner on the first shot taken by either team in just the sixth minute.

SXU took three of the next four shots in the match as well before the Trojans found their footing and went on the offensive attack two-thirds of the way through the first period.

Chances came in a hurry for TU, as it applied constant pressure against the Cougars' defense in the 28th and 29th minutes. Taylor kept its foot on the gas through the half, as it tied up Saint Xavier 6-6 in shot attempts by halftime.

The Trojans continued their strong play throughout the second half, controlling possession and generating scoring opportunities. In the 65th minute, Collin Maris nearly netted his second goal in as many games off a corner kick from Justin Devlin, but his header just missed high. A minute later, Carlos Sanabria – who gave TU great energy off the bench in the second half – had an opportunity from the right side of the box that also barely missed high.

As the minutes waned, Taylor did not go silently, in large part thanks to the efforts of Brian Matipa who continued to get good looks in search of his first goal of the season. Time was not on the Trojans' side, however, as the Cougars held on to win.

By game's end, TU outshot SXU 12-8 and registered two more shots on goal than the Cougars, beating them 5-3 in the category.

Matipa led the Trojans with four shots (two on goal), while Liam Brennan, Ben Kuiper and Matt Yoder accounted for the other three shots on goal for TU.

Taylor (1-4-0) concludes its two-game homestand at Turner Stadium this Saturday when it faces the Concordia Cardinals (1-2-1) at 7 p.m.