Under-Manned WPU Knocks Off 2017 National Qualifier in Season Opener
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen men’s soccer team played inspired ball to begin the 2018 campaign, defeating Waldorf 1-0 in non-conference play Wednesday.
William Penn (1-0) scored the contest’s lone goal in the first half and then played the entire second half minus one of its best defenders. The Warriors (0-1), who qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in 2017, outshot the hosts 12-6 (9-2 in the second half), but the navy and gold turned them away every time.
Donny Mesina (Jr., Inglewood, Calif., Sports Management) had numerous incredibly-long throw-ins, but none better than the one in the ninth minute. Luis Amezquita (Jr., Inglewood, Calif., Sociology) originally slipped on his run, but immediately got back to his feet and then redirected the ball via a header past the Waldorf keeper.
Battling a tough Warrior crew at full strength is difficult enough, but a questionable call near the end of the opening stanza made it that much worse. Joe Minton (So., Stoke-on-Trent, England, Physical Education) slid in for a tackle and was penalized for his effort with a red card.
The navy and gold then played the remainder of the night with just 10 men on the pitch, but goalkeeper Miguel Barbosa (Jr., Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sport Management) and his teammates held their own to record the program’s first season-opening shutout since 2010. Barbosa stopped four WU attempts to grab the victory in his Statesmen debut.
Eduardo Bonatto (So., Rio Grande, Brazil, Business Management) topped the offense with three shots.
“This was a fantastic win for our program,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We knew Waldorf was going to be tough after what they accomplished last year. Playing with only 10 individuals in the second half made it even more difficult, but our defense stepped up. We stuck to our game plan very well in the first half, and it was great to see us score off of a set piece because of all the work we put in at practice the last few days.”
“Every squad member played their part in tonight’s win,” Highcock added. “I want to say thanks to the staff and students for providing a great crowd.”
Next Up: The Statesmen travel to Chicago, Ill. Saturday to face Robert Morris in non-conference action at 1:30 p.m.
