Score: Life U 1, STU 0
Records: Life U, 4-1-0; STU 1-3-0
MARIETTA, Ga. — The No. 9 Life University men's soccer team secured a win over RV St. Thomas early Sunday morning. In a contest that was bumped forward due to heat concerns, Enrico Burigotto provided the lone goal of the contest in the 43rd minute.
Life U opened the contest in control, firing away a pair of shots in the first five minutes, requiring action from the Bobcats keeper. In the 19th minute, Pawel Wolny made a brilliant save to keep the contest level. Despite the St. Thomas forward getting in behind, Wolny forced the shot off the post and out of immediate danger. The senior keeper was against called into action in a similar situation in the 29th minute, making another brilliant save to hold the contest level.
In the 43rd minute, Enrico Burigotto put his squad in front. Off a big switch from the back line, Takahiro Suzuki swung a low ball into the box, where Burigotto flicked it on into the bottom-right corner for the opening goal. Heading to the half time break just two minutes later, Life U held a firm lead in the shots category, 8-5.
In the second half, the Running Eagles defense dominated the forwards from STU, allowing 0 shots on frame in the final 45 minutes on four chances. On the flip side, Life U posted seven shots in the frame but were unable to expand the lead. The contest concluded 1-0 in favor of the home squad.
Up next, the Running Eagles remain at home, beginning SSAC play against Mobile on Friday, Sept. 11.
"A hard-fought win over a worthy adversary under extremely tough conditions," said Head Coach Alex Pama. "Despite the earlier kickoff time, the heat was still an extreme factor, and we knew playing the football we wanted was going to be difficult today. Credit to St. Thomas for pushing us to the limit and making us earn every bit of this result. As we predicted, the depth of our squad proved to be a determining factor. Proud of the resilience, character, and commitment shown by the entire group. Now, we take a day off and rest. Tuesday, we pick things back up as we welcome Friday a strong Mobile side to Life Lupo Family Field."
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U out shot STU 15-9.
--There were 30 fouls in the game, 15 from each team.
TURNING POINT:
--Enrico Burigotto was the difference maker, scoring in the 43rd minute.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Enrico Burigotto was the lone goal scorer.
--Takahiro Suzuki recorded his first career assist at Life U.
--Pawel Wolny recorded a clean sheet.
