Statesmen Hold Off Graceland to Remain Undefeated in Heart

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s soccer team kept rolling in Heart of America Athletic Conference play with a 2-1 win over Graceland Wednesday.

The Statesmen (7-3-1, 4-0 Heart) extended their winning streak to four in a contest that featured the home team outshooting Graceland 14-11.

Joni Cruz (Jr., Salinas, Calif., Psychology) opened the evening’s scoring with his first goal in the navy and gold; Sergio Carro (Sr., London, England, Communications) assisted on the game that came at the 11:14 mark. The help is Carro’s third of 2015.

Randolph Tamba (Jr., Firestone, Liberia, Information Technology) doubled the edge just over three minutes later with his team-best 10th goal. Jack Kindell-Brown (Fr., Chelmsford, England, Physical Education) had the assist–his fourth of the season. Tamba becomes the 11th player in school history to reach double figures in goals in a single campaign.

The Yellowjackets finally got on the board in the 51st minute, but WPU held on with a stingy defense that has only allowed two goals in Heart action.

Carro and Angelo Kelly (Sr., Ottumwa, Iowa, Physical Education) posted three shots each, while Max Stamer (Fr., Salzgitter, Germany, Secondary Education) recorded two saves in goal.

“This was an excellent victory against another local rival,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “Game by game, the team continues to get better. The guys worked hard from start to finish and deserved the win. We will now recover and prepare for another tough game Saturday.”

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa Saturday to host Central Methodist (Mo.) in Heart play at 7:30 p.m.