Goals by Tamba Help WPU Slip Past Avila

William Penn University Athletics

Kansas City, Mo.–Fresh off one of the biggest wins in program history, the Statesmen men’s soccer team avoided a trap game as it defeated Avila 2-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Friday.

William Penn (6-3-1, 3-0 Heart) picked up its third-straight win in a matchup that featured the navy and gold posting a 14-8 margin in shots. The victory is another historic one for WPU as it marks the first time ever the team has started 3-0 in league competition.

Seven of the Statesmen’s offensive attempts came from Randolph Tamba (Jr., Firestone, Liberia, Information Technology), and he made two of them count. His first goal was unassisted and broke the scoreless tie at the 24:13 mark.

The visitors continued to stay on top until the 65th minute when the Eagles (2-8, 0-3 Heart) knotted it up with their lone score.

Fortunately, with the contest appearing doomed for extra play, Tamba notched another unassisted goal with a strike on the edge of the 18-yard box with only 3:20 remaining in regulation. The junior now leads his squad with nine goals (seven in the past five games).

Angelo Kelly (Sr., Ottumwa, Iowa, Physical Education) also made his presence felt with four shots, while Max Stamer (Fr., Salzgitter, Germany, Secondary Education) stopped four Avila shots for the win.

“This was a good road victory for our men today,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “The team had to dig deep to earn the win; all conference games are hard, but they worked hard to deserve this victory. There are still lots of things to work on, but it is another positive step in the right direction. We look forward to returning home against Graceland on Wednesday.”

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Wednesday to host Graceland in Heart play at 7:30 p.m.