MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's team opened their home SSAC schedule with a dominant win over in-state foe Middle Georgia State University with a 2-0 margin on Thursday night.
Transfer senior Lucas Williams Fernandez and junior Sem Van Der Leer notched scores for the Running Eagles (3-1-2 (1-0-1 SSAC)) with the team dominating possession, finishing with a 20-3 margin in total shots. The Running Eagles have now outshot their opponents in four of their first six contests this season.
Williams Fernandez opened the scoring with his second goal of the season just before the 10th minute as Sam Van der Leer connected with the transfer for an early lead. The assist was the start of Van der Leers solid performance, as the midfielder proved to be a difference-maker in the needed conference win.
The score remained 1-0 until late in the second half when Van Der Leer rifled his first goal of the year from just outside the box. The cushion came in the 84th minute after a poorly cleared cross landed on the boot of the midfielder, blasting a missile into the upper right corner through the hands of MGA's keeper, 2-0.
Freshman Stephane Shongo paced the team with five shots, with four being on frame, as did junior Matteo Olivotto who tallied four total shots (three on goal). The Life University backline with Branko Kanacki dominated their defensive third, allowing just three shots with one landing on frame after a deflection, making Kanacki's save more than comfortable.
Head coach Alex Pama shared his thoughts on the result, "Hard fought battle. We struggled to finish our chances, but we were again solid on defense. Not a single chance given away is a compliment to the entire team, and our organization. We know what we have to do the rest of the season and now Sunday we have another tough home game."
Looking ahead, Pama said, "The games come fast now, but the good news is some of our guys are returning to the squad giving us more attacking options."
The Running Eagles remain in SSAC play this weekend, hosting Brewton-Parker this upcoming Sunday, September 24th at 5 pm.
