By: Yvan Lafortune
On Thursday, September 19, The Saint Leo Men’s soccer team hosted their first home game of the season. The opponent, Pensacola Christian Eagles Men’s soccer, is a team-based in Pensacola, Florida. Among the fans were members of the Lions’ athletic community and mix of freshmen and upperclassmen.
From the early stages of the game, it was obvious who controlled the pace. The Lions were relentlessly attacking the Eagles with countless waves of offensive threats. Every offensive play by the Lions was met by cheers and applause from the loyal supporters and fans.
Our #4, Tore Naess, strikingly resembling Dutch International player Mattis De Light
For those who have been monitoring the evolution of this soccer team throughout the years, it was apparent what had changed from the previous seasons. The ball was circulating between the Lions with more ease, the runs were achieved with more discipline. The improvements in the team’s attacking efficiency is definitely a win for the coaching staff. The combination of new faces on the pitch and the position shift of familiar faces seem to have given the Lions a new breath that leaves the fans optimistic as to what to expect from the Lions this season.
Lions’ forward Roberto Bendicho creating a chance for himself.
A new face, Federico Toschi, was undeniably the star of the night. The Junior transfer student netted not one, but two goals to give the Saint Leo Lions the win at home. Toschi shot a total of five times over the course of the game. Two of these shots were on target, i.e. were shot towards the adverse goal, and resulted in the famous goals. Up to the start of the second half, the scoreboard remained untouched. Six minutes into the second half, the Lions #11, Elias Niesigk, crossed the ball outside the box to Toschi who scored a beautiful ground volley to give the Lions the high grounds over the Eagles. However, with five minutes remaining on the scoreboard, Pensacola managed to win a penalty kick. Despite the efforts of our goalkeeper, Pensacola’s Jake McDelland, found the back of the net to send the game to overtime. Five minutes into overtime, the man of the night, Toschi, found a way to put the ball in the opposing team’s net, thus giving the 2-1 victory to the Saint Leo Lions.
Overall a great game from the whole Saint Leo team, some players have still managed to shine and attract attention and praise over their performances. Despite the score remaining the same during the first half, Lions #21, Guillaume Campos, senior playing at the right-back position was the engine behind the Lions’ offensive waves. The majority of the crosses, key passes came from the right side of the field. Campos’ work rate slowed down during the second half as the team was much more alert and showing more vivacity in their plays.
Lions #13 Dylan Moriera keeping the opponent busy with waves of attacking.
The midfield line was particularly active over the course of the game, setting up the forwards with the key passes and circulating the ball. Among the midfielders who shone the most were the Lions’ #11, Elias Niesigk and #8 Mathis Hardy. These players were setting up their teammates all night and almost, on more than one occasion, had their names on the scoreboard as well.
The result of this game left the Lions’ fan base with joy and pride over the performance of their teams. As the previous seasons’ record might have discouraged some fans, the result of this home opener seems to have filled the heart of many with hopes regarding this season’s record and performance. Hoping that they keep this momentum and keep on winning future games, the opposing teams should fear the roar of the Lions.
Pensacola fought well, but the victory goes to Saint Leo, 2-1
