Score: Life U 1, WCU 0
Records: Life U, 8-1-1 (4-0-1 SSAC); WCU, 6-2-2 (2-2-1 SSAC)
MARIETTA, Ga. — The No. 7 Life University men's soccer team took down the No. 5 Crusaders of William Carey late Friday night. The top-five win also marked a major milestone for Head Coach Alex Pama, who has now won 100 career games at the helm of Life University's men's soccer program.
The Running Eagles dominated the opening minutes in Marietta, immediately putting the visiting Crusaders on the back foot. Andrei Apostu forced an early save out of the William Carey keeper in the 8th minute before the Crusaders put Pawel Wolny to work minutes later. The lone chance marked the only time the visitors had a shot in the frame until a last-ditch effort from beyond midfield in the dying seconds of the first half. Though Life U possessed the ball for the majority of the first 45, the Running Eagles were unable to create real chances in the final third, finishing with just two shots in the half as the game went to the break at 0-0.
Out of the break, the visitors found new life, controlling the majority of the opening minutes. Wolny fended off a scoring chance in the 60th minute as Life U began to find its rhythm in the center third. Finally cracking the draw, Enrico Burigotto scored the crucial goal from the Running Eagles in the 69th minute. After being played down line by Alex Coba, Apostu swung a low ball in front of net where Burigotto was able to slot home the chance.
With a new found sense of energy, Life U battled out the remaining 20 minutes, taking down No. 5 William Carey , 1-0, to give Head Coach Alex Pama his 100th career win at Life U.
"Big win tonight for our program! The game was played at a national championship pace and level," said Head Coach Alex Pama. "It wasn't always perfect football, but the speed of play was incredible, with intense duels all over the field. It was entertaining, competitive, and tense from start to finish. Another special milestone tonight was my 100th win at Life University. It has been an incredible journey so far, and I'm extremely grateful to everyone who has been part of it. A huge thank you to all of our current and former players, coaches, staff, and colleagues throughout the department for your support, commitment, and contributions along the way. This milestone belongs to all of us."
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U held a narrow lead in shots, 8-6.
--Each team had 3 corner opportunities.
--There were 23 fouls in the contest with 7 yellow cards shown.
TURNING POINT:
--Enrico Burigotto slotted home the game winner in the 69th minute.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Enrico Burigotto scored the game winning goal.
--Andrei Apostu and Alex Coba assisted the game-winning goal.
--Pawel Wolny finished his fourth clean-sheet of the season with three saves.
UP NEXT:
--Up next, the Running Eagles remain at home, taking on RV Xavier Louisiana on Sunday, September 27.
