NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 7, Point 0
Records: Life U, 9-3-2; Point 6-7-2
MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life University men's soccer team coasted to an impressive 7-0 route over Point Monday afternoon.
Thomas Rodella again led the way for the Running Eagles with a hat trick. The onslaught began with Rodella's goal in the 24th minute before the talented freshman doubled the the lead with a goal moments later in the 26th minute. The Running Eagles then continued to control the match in the first half as the team cruised to 2-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, and controlling the game with much of the possession, the Running Eagles added another goal as Manuel Carrillo netted his second goal of the season in the 49' minute after a sweet dish from Augusto Del Rio. Quickly after Carrillos' solo goal, Rodella completed his hat trick off an Ervin Sula through ball.
Up next, a penalty kick was converted by Sem Van Der Leer in the 67th minute. Ervin Sula then got in the scorebook again with a goal in the 71st minute before one final goal from Felipe Batagini sealed the contest with a goal in the 83rd minute.
The Skyhawks struggled to create any chances in the second half as dominant midfield and backline play from Life U kept the clean sheet. Overall, five different Running Eagles scored in the contest.
Head Coach Alex Pama shared his thoughts on the team's performance postgame, stating, "Great performance and proud of our guys. It was not easy playing less than 40 hours after Saturday's away game, but the guys responded well. Thursday we play #1 Dalton and we will need our fans to function as a 12th man, so please come out in numbers to help us upset the best team in the nation at the moment."
TURNING POINT:
— Rodella's back-to-back goals in the 24th and 26th minute broke the game open for Life U.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
— Thomas Rodella notched his third hat trick this season, logging just 53 minutes.
— Augusto Del Rio recorded three assists in the win.
— Five Running Eagles scored in Wednesday's contest.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
— In total, Life U took 22 shots to Point's eight.
— George Edgley recorded a clean sheet with four saves.
