NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 8, Bryan 1
Records: Life U, 2-0; Bryan 0-2
MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life University men's soccer team coasted to an 8-1 win over Bryan Wednesday evening.
Thomas Rodella led the way for the Running Eagles with a hat trick in the opening half of play. The onslaught began with Rodella's goal in the 3rd minute before Timon Kuiper added to the tally in the 10th. Rodella added another pairs of goals minutes later as he found the back of the net again in the 20' and 27' minute.
With a comfortable 4-0 lead and the match more than under control, the Running Eagles added another goal as Ole Kuperus netted his first goal of the season in the 31' minute. Quickly after Kuperus' solo goal the Running Eagles conceded their first goal of the season when the Lions' Matt Marini broke through to break the clean sheet just moments after the reset to move the score to 5-1. The Running Eagles scored one final goal before the first half whistle as Kuiper slotted a pass to freshman Finn Seijsener to carry a convincing 6-1 lead into intermission.
After the goal frenzy in the first half, Life U's attack was less explosive in the second with Wilfred Tchoupa Kamden and Ervin Sula scoring the final two goals of the match.
The Lions attempted to create a more attacks in the second half, but Life U's dominant midfield and backline play kept the second half clean to hold on for the 8-1 win. Overall, six different Running Eagles scored in the contest.
Head Coach Alex Pama shared his thoughts on the team's performance postgame, stating, "Another great performance under again difficult circumstances. Some of our attacks were textbook and the guys are finding each other more and more. Now we prepare for another home match vs a good side. We hope that our fans Saturday continue to give us this kind of support."
Up next, the Running Eagles remain at Lupo to take on SCAD at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 21.
TURNING POINT:
— Life U was able to tack on two goals in the first 10 minutes of play to take a commanding lead.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
— Thomas Rodella notched a hat trick in the first half scoring his three in the first 30 minutes of play.
— Both Ole Kuperus and Timon Kuiper scored and assisted in the contest.
— Six Running Eagles scored in Wednesday's contest.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
— In total, Life U took 25 shots to Bryan's nine.
— Bryan's Thomas McGee recorded eight saves in the contest.
